Their Dark Devotion Read online

  Luke lets out a chuckle, “What are your years?”

  “22,”

  “Youthful and small, is it because of your abilities?”

  “No, I am as I am,” I said, taking Berbos face into my hands.

  I pulled his face down; he hesitated for a second, before our foreheads touched.

  His gaze intense, “Do you want to walk again, free of pain?”

  “Yes,”

  We gaze at each other for a few moments, then a warmth begins to radiate on my lips.

  “Naughty boy, Mr. Berbos. Do you have a wife?” his lips curl into a smirk. He shakes his head, as the women in the front row give off a giggle.

  “Kiss me as you mean it,” I said, quiet enough just for him to hear.

  He looks up to the throne first, then back to me, before proceeding. He slides one hand on my waist and, at neck-breaking speed, pulls me into his chest. His heartbeat is calm like a river. He lifts my chin and, to my surprise, gives me a gentle kiss. The warmth overflows my body and begins to seep into him.

  His grip becomes tighter. I pull away when I feel two hands on my waist. He strides toward the throne. I didn’t need to see his face to know that he’s smiling. My body becomes heavy. I sway but catch myself, hopefully before anyone notices. My scar burns like wildfire. This sudden trip made me cancel mine. I’ll have time to go before the effects take hold of me.

  “How do you feel?” Luke asked.

  “Like new,” he said, jumping and throwing quick strikes with his legs and arms, “I can return to service tomorrow.”

  “Tonight, we celebrate our alliance and the impending defeat of our enemies. As per the agreement, all of you will take the mark. The commitment ceremonies to my Captains will take place tonight.” Luke said, gesturing to the crowd.

  The other leaders of the Last Men lead their daughters up to the head table. They place their hand into one of the demon generals. The room erupts into a light chatter as a wave of relief washes over me. I can feel the fresh air on my skin now.

  “The Last Men have gifted us a healer in exchange for soldiers and resources,” he said.

  “Lily,” James said, hand outstretched to me.

  The crowd’s attention directed to me. Whispers begin to coast around the room. A soft, warm touch on my shoulder, it’s soothing effects are non-existent. My dinner threatens to come up.

  “Sounds like a lot of work,” I said.

  “Excuse us for a minute,” he said, pulling me by the arm.

  The music returned as we entered the hallway. James’ eyes narrowed, and those nostrils flared like the time I got caught sneaking out. I pull away from his tight grip.

  “You promised that you would never do this.”

  “Did you hit your head, or have you forgotten what’s at stake?” he asked.

  “I know what’s at stake, exactly why I want to live my own goddamn life!”

  “I think you have, cause you wouldn’t have just put everyone in that room in danger. The Archangels are here, and if you don’t agree, he made it very clear that he will kill us and still take all that he wants. Think of the lives you can save. It’s what Raphael would do.” he said.

  His hands begin to tremble. His breathing is uneven and sporadic. Hot streams start to tumble down my cheeks, leaving an itchy cold trail behind. Of course, he would go there. I didn’t ask for any of this. I shouldn’t have made that promise, but how could I not?

  “I’m not him,”

  The door swings open and Ana comes rushing out with her arms outstretched. She wraps them tight around me.

  “It’s up to you, but realize what your choice means. Can you live with it?” She asked, wiping the stray tears from my face.

  I have enough on my conscience as it is. Even if I could, every leader here would make sure I follow through.

  “Reneging on our agreement?” he asked.

  “No, just leave me Allexis for a few weeks and tell Daniel… tell him, next time,” I said, heading back to the door.

  “Fine,”

  I take a few deep breaths, choking back the tears.

  He takes my hand into his tight grip. We enter and make our way to the front of the room. The quartet plays my death march. On closer inspection, Luke looked as if all his time is in service to his body. He has bright eyes, not dull in color like the others, and smooth skin. My cheeks begin to prickle. I was quite far away when I first saw him.

  No. I can’t forget. Demons are part of the problem. This is what they do; draw you in, and devour your soul.

  “Is there a problem?” he asked.

  “No, a quick heart to heart,” James said.

  “I was asking her,”

  James’ grip makes my hand groan. Snatching it away, I climb the rest of the stairs.

  “I don’t mind lending you my power, but I want something,” I said, the words felt thick on my tongue.

  “Negotiations are over,”

  “It’s beneficial to us all,” I said, his eyes took a break from glaring.

  “What’s that?” he said.

  “Unlimited access to all referenced text. I want to improve my abilities,”

  “That’s a given. Is there anything else you want while you have my ear?”

  “Permission to come and go as I need. My abilities require-”

  “No, everything you need is here,” he said in a flat tone. He rises from his seat, “All of you continue to enjoy yourselves, we’ll be retiring for the night,” looking at me, “Come, quickly,” he said, as he heads toward the door.

  His men bow as we exit, but two follow closely from behind. The wind blows in from the main entrance, bringing leaves and dirt. I wonder if I can make it. The truck probably has its keys inside. One of the two that followed us out gives a low hum. We ascend the stairs in silence; the hall is dark like the others. Each step gets more substantial as we pass each door until we reach our destination at the end of the corridor. The doors were almost as big as the entrance, but engraved with a scene.

  With a wave of his hand, the doors swing open with ease but shut with force behind us. Clenching my chest returns my heart to its regular pace. Luke walks over to the bookshelf next to a bench. He searches for a moment before snapping his fingers, bringing a book from the top shelf to his hand. He flips to a page and takes a seat on the giant bed.

  “Lily, right?” he asked.

  “Yeah,”

  “Yes Sir, or No Sir. That is how you answer when asked something. There are rules, follow them, and we’ll do just fine,” he said.

  “And if I don’t.”

  “You’ll face the outlined consequences,” he said, peering up, “You’re free to use my personal library in your free time,”

  He motions me to come over; I don’t drag my feet. As I take a seat, my cheeks roar with heat even more than before. He places the book on my lap, Code of Conduct. I pull my wild hair into a messy bun at the top of my head and flip through it.

  Pointing to the demon at the desk, “Rico,” then to the door, “Jax,” he said, removing his cloak.

  I wonder if Rico must duck every time he enters a room or vehicle. Jax’s favorite pastime must be cooking.

  “Repeat after me,” Luke said, “I, Lily, of my free will give myself, To-”

  “Wait, that isn’t the Service Oath, it’s-”

  “Don’t interrupt me, and yes, it’s the Mate’s Oath. Trust me, it’s the last option, but we must receive the effects of your ability. That was the agreement brokered.” his eyes emotionless.

  “We?” I said, getting to my feet.

  “I share everything with my brothers. Now, repeat it,”

  I didn’t picture it happening like this. That day, all I wanted was answers, but I was so angry, and I snapped. I caused a ripple that continues to spread. Now I have to see this through.

  “I, Lily, of my free will give myself,”

  “To serve, offer complete loyalty, body, and soul,” he said.

  “To serve, offer complete loya
lty, body, and soul.”

  A searing, burning pain radiates from my shoulder. My hand snaps back but caught in a steel grip. The burning sensation sends me to my knees. A sound I didn’t recognize escaped from my throat.

  *****

  Lu

  “You’ll spread it if you do. Bear it just a little while longer.” I said.

  Our bond seals’ burning light dies down, her screams follow. Jax is still, studying her every move as she catches her breath. She reaches back, touching the seal; her fingers glide over the skin. With a look of confusion, she uses her other hand to feel around.

  “It’s your equivalent to a wedding ring,” I said.

  “How thoughtful,” she said.

  “Ludicrous but too much of it will earn you a red backside,”

  Jax smirks; isn’t he quite smitten? He takes a seat on the bed and plucks an imaginary lint from his pants.

  “Come her-,” a rapid knock on the door, “What is it?” he said, jumping up to the door.

  “Excuse the interruption, but there’s been a sighting at the perimeter. We need you and King Rico,” the soldier said.

  Lily twists her ring, and her toes scrunch up. She held her gaze on him, statue-like. Rico and Jax waste no time grabbing their cloaks and heading out the door. It falls on me. Lily cranes her neck upward to meet my gaze, her eyes dark, quiet, and vast. I hold out my hand; after a few moments, she takes it. Icy enough to make a man shiver.

  “Lie down,” I said, once we stopped at the bench.

  She glances with wide eyes, “What did I do?

  At least she’s familiar with some of the tools used in punishments. She should know exactly what she’s done. I sent a specific memo to all the Human factions about the attire for tonight. Her previous owner’s eyes almost bulged out of his head at the sight of her. I glide my fingers down her soft exposed shoulder, making her shiver. Her eyelids lower slightly, as she sucks on her lower lip.

  “Did you not receive the message about tonight’s attire?” she gives a small defiant smirk, “We all rule with an iron fist. This is to show you what to expect if you don’t follow the rules. No exceptions,” I said, letting her hair down.

  “I find that hard to believe of any of you,” she said, walking up to it, tracing the length of it with her finger. “What do you think you know of us?” I said, opening the straps.

  “That you’re all rule breakers and hypocrites, Sir,” The bench groans from my grip on the belt, “Then isn’t just that we punish all who do.”

  She glances at the door, “I don’t like repeating myself.” I said.

  “May I use the bathroom first,” she asked.

  He filled us in on all of her antics to escape punishment. We glare at each for a few moments; then she gives a heavy sigh. She climbs on, sliding her limbs into the straps. Her lovely backside angled just right. This skirt barely covers anything. I tighten each buckle; in response, she gives a low whine. Sweet sounds to my ears, I could almost feel guilty for enjoying this all on my own.

  “I won’t punish you much, though I have to say, I will enjoy every moment of this.”

  She squirms and wiggles on the bench; her eyes begin to well up. Fear of the unknown is the worst kind.

  “Exquisite,” I said, running my hand over her backside, squeezing them roughly.

  I rip the thin material from her body. She tenses up, burying her face into her arm. With my gloved hand, I bring it down hard on her backside, and after a few swats, she begins to cry out. Not as hard as I can, but hard enough to leave behind a red mark. I continue to bring it down quickly and sharply. She pulls against the straps uselessly. I glide my fingers down her middle to find the increasing wetness a grand welcome.

  The heat from her backside and center mingle together, as I continue the strikes. After both sides reach a lovely shade of red, I stop. Releasing her from the restraints, I scoop her into my arms and lay her on the bed. Her arm retreats to cover her face and wet eyes. I toss my clothes to the floor, leaving my arm sleeve and glove on.

  My brothers and I need more than kisses and caresses to heal this damage, a lot more. If we didn’t learn anything else from Father, we learned that the carrot and the stick work wonders, as well as honey, attracting the flies.

  “Look at me,” I said, pushing the hair from her face. She immediately peeks from under it then lowers it at a snail’s pace.

  “As of tonight, you belong to us for eternity, but for now, you’re all mine. Submit to me.” I said, caressing her cheek, tracing the wet trails that decorate it. Her eyes bounce around my face. She nibbles at her lower lip, fidgeting with her ring.

  “Okay,” her cheeks light up again.

  I take her other hand and roll its twin. She tenses up, curling her thumb, preventing any chance of it slipping. I place a kiss on it, and she loosens just a bit. I put a trail of them up to her forearm. She takes a quick breath, as I pull her closer.

  Leaning in, I plant some on the shoulder up to her neck. Her breathing picks up, as she gives a quiet moan. Her heart pounds hard against mine, as she clenches me to her chest. Her desire smears on my leg and dampens the blanket below.

  “I bet you feel foolish now about the scene you made at dinner,” I said, spreading her soft folds, rubbing the tender nub.

  I keep the pace until she begins to move her hips. Her face held a blissful agony, too beautiful not to enjoy. I lean lower just above her lips, staring into those euphoric eyes.

  They flutter close, as she leans up, pressing them to mine with a gentle touch. I take my cock and slide it along her soaking opening. She gives a terrible shutter and moans, squeezing her thighs tighter around me. Her hips move with the rhythm, as she tries to impale herself. I waste not another second, piercing her deep. Eyes wide, mouth agape, she’s frozen on edge but not alone. Her lower grip might rip it off in the most pleasing way, and it’s a risk I’m willing to take.

  I take her by the wrists and place them above her head with one hand. The other wrapped around her. With each slow and deep thrust, she lets out an alluring melody, followed by hot liquid. She squeezes her thighs tighter and tighter, her hips rise from bed. I pick up the momentum, but it’s short-lived as her eyes widen, and legs shake violently. Her body stills, but her chest rises and falls at a rapid pace. The warmth floods into me, as the soreness in my arm and hand die down. I lie next to her, stroking her hair. She looks over at me and opens her mouth to speak but doesn’t.

  “What’s on your mind?” I asked.

  “May I borrow a vehicle, Sir? I would only be gone a few days, a week max,” she said.

  “Why? Where do you have to be?”

  “There’s something I need to do, outside of the Human Territory,” a hint of life jumps into her eyes.

  Archangels are running amok out there to let her go alone. We’re busy, and only more work will follow in the future. We all have sacrifices to make for this war. This will be one of hers, unfortunately.

  “No. It will be a while before we can travel anywhere for leisure.” I said, she stilled my hand that stroked her hair and sat up, “No one knows if or for how long it’ll still be there. I have to go, now,” her voice rises with a subtle ferocity.

  “You’ll do your best to remember who you’re talking to,” she crosses her arms, “Time for bed, let’s not ruin a wonderful night,” I lift my hand, feeling the warmth in the room. I close my fist, drawing it in, snuffing the lights but a few. Even in the low light, that glare is as icy as her touch. I wonder who that person is.

  Chapter 3

  Lu

  Jax and Rico returned a few hours later, clothes in tatters, but grinning ear to ear. Pushing back the Archangels is a great victory, but they’re far from giving up. They piled into the bed with Lily careful not to wake her. She shifts around, finally settling on Jax’s stomach. Nuzzling her face into his skin, she gives a quiet sigh. Humans are adaptable; I will say that much. It’s also what makes them dangerous.

  “Did she behave herself?” Jax aske
d, rubbing her back, “For the most part. She’s sweet but feisty. A willingness to please, but you two keep focus,” I said, looking over their report.

  “Us? You’re the only one that’s gotten a taste,” Jax said, nibbling at her shoulder. She makes an annoyed groan that’s overshadowed by a light smile.

  “Also, the only one that hasn’t fallen for one yet,”

  “That’s what you say,” Jax said.

  “What time is the meeting?” Rico asked, placing an eye patch over his scaling eye, “When did this start?” I asked, taking a closer look, “I had to use it. I just used more than expected.”

  I shake my head. So careless.

  “I can’t fix us this time. Not in this half-dead terrarium. Emergencies only for now on. This won’t work if one of us falls,” I said.

  “Yeah, yeah. The meeting?” Rico asked, lying back down.

  “Noon, after the patrol returns and the Captains gather. We should have two soldiers guard the room while we’re gone,” I said.

  “Archangels won’t be flying over the walls anytime soon,” Jax said.

  “No, but our pet might try and fly the coop. In search of adventure and beauty.” I said.

  “I’ll put two on it. James left behind her maid-in-waiting. She can keep her company until we get back.” Rico said.

  ****

  Lily

  Last night didn’t go as planned, but I knew it was a possibility. I’d hoped not to have to do this. If this is the path that my choices led me to, then it won’t mind a detour. I have to try at least. I’ll wait for my chance and take it.

  Knock. Knock.

  I crack my eyes open, easing in the burning light before I scan the room—no one in sight. I jump up and pull the door open. Allexis, with two guards in tow. Surprised, she shoves my bag into my arms. The cold leather sends a chill down my spine.

  “We’re not back home. Cover up for hell’s sake,” Allexis said, closing the door.

  “I’m sorry. I know you’re dying to get home. I was scared of staying alone here,” I said, heading to the bathroom.