CHAPTER ONE
Theseon
Contrary to mankind’s beliefs, evil lurks everywhere, but it’s not just the obvious places you expect to find us—bars, nightclubs, and back alleys. My kind waits for innocents in the inconspicuous spots. The venues where virtue should be—libraries, hospitals, even on the steps of churches.
That last location—church—is my favorite for finding souls to break. There’s something about a house of worship that causes people to drop their guard. It must be the implied safety. The idea that a demon would never set foot on sanctified ground is a gigantic myth. It’s our favorite playground. A saint isn’t truly pious until someone has tested him or her. Breaking spirits on holy ground takes a demon with special skills—like myself.
Here’s a little tip for any humans listening: pay close attention Ephesians. Yes, I know the Bible. It’s a prerequisite in my line of work. Wrap yourselves in the armor of God and wear it twenty-four seven. Dark souls like myself seek the chinks, the cracks that allow us in. We don’t rest even when you do.
Besides prowling around for the holies, I enjoy messing with Celestials. Like the one sitting to my left. Daniel is a handsome angel that’s so divine I swear he pisses holy water. Clubs aren’t where you’ll find the Principality though. He doesn’t party, doesn’t drink, or do anything that resembles sin which is a shame. A sculpted body like Daniel’s could entice many humans to the dark side. Shit. He could tempt me to seek the proverbial light for a few hours.
Mostly Daniel keeps to himself. Other than hanging with me, he has a significant other—the angel Neriah. Oops! She goes by Cherina these days. The two Celestials have been an item for years.
Like I was saying…
Daniel is straight-laced. He only comes to Balls Up—a sports bar and grill in Falls Creek—because of the food. Plus, supernaturals can relax here. No fear of accidental discovery. No concern about rival supernaturals crouching on territory. Balls Up is that neutral zone every town needs. It doesn’t hurt that the owner, Brady Romero, is a wolf shifter and a member of Council. Brady does everyone a favor and tips us off when trouble is brewing—either amongst the various beings or with the humans. His establishment is the best place in town for news and other pursuits.
But I digress.
Daniel and I share a strange relationship. Those of the Realm and the Nether Region rarely forge friendships, but we met a few months ago on Crucifix Island. We literally ran into each other. The Celestial was rushing away from the isle, and I had just emerged from Hell. Humans reported seeing fireworks—our collision—coming from the landmark.
Personally, I think the man upstairs put the angel in my path on purpose. Ever since that precipitous meeting, Daniel constantly tries to show me the light. He thinks he can redeem my sorry ass while I work hard at tempting Daniel to walk on the heinous path. Just have a little fun. Get him out of that damned suit he’s always wearing. I’ve seen his closet—no jeans, no T-shirts, not even a pair of sneakers.
Did I forget to mention that we’re roommates?
“Give up already,” he says as he lifts his glass of water. “I like my suits.”
“Who the hell drinks water in a bar?”
“I do.” Daniel’s brown eyes pierce me. “You should try it sometime.”
“Never touch the stuff.” Honestly, water is for bathing only. That shit might put the fire out in my soul—might be the reason why the only water in Hell is in the muddy river Styx.
The Celestial’s full lips curl up in a smile. I don’t know why we bother with words since we hear each other’s thoughts.
“Because it’s more fun this way. Allows us to pretend to be something we’re not.” Daniel strokes his beard, which looks more like an extended goatee with a bit of scruff. “Do you have any plans this evening? Those you can speak of that is.”
Glancing around the near-empty bar, I realize the pickings might be slim tonight. I’ve already tested this sorry group of humans. I’m running out of victims and will eventually have to leave Falls Creek. Finding fresh souls to corrupt is a necessity for my kind. Otherwise, we get called back to Hell. I have no desire to spend eternity in torture. Exploiting pleasure is more fun.
“Let’s go on a road trip,” I say. “I’m bored.”
“Not tonight, Theseon.” Daniel pushes away his empty plate. “I have plans. Besides, I draw the line at witnessing your debauchery.”
Tossing back my whiskey, I side-glance at the angel. “Remind me again why we’re friends?”
He waggles his eyebrows. “You like me, plus I provide a place for you to live. We’re supernatural yin and yang.”
I’m about to unleash a vile comment when a cool breeze blows in. We both turn toward the open door.
An angel walks in. At least she should be one with her dark, flowing hair and deep, dark eyes. A pastel pink dress clings to her curves. Curves that trap my mind and stir my body.
Damn. Just fuck me.
Please.
“Stop drooling,” Daniel says near my ear. “She’s a friend of Cherina’s and off-limits.”
“Huh?” I shake my head and notice Daniel’s female at the woman’s side. “Who is she?”
“I’ll introduce you, but promise me you won’t try anything with the human. She’s destined for sainthood, not wickedness.”
“Sure, sure,” I blurt, not meaning a word. Daniel’s warning barely registers with me. Dark angels can’t be trusted…shouldn’t be trusted. Our promises are as fluid as our sexuality. If I have any chance of keeping my word, however, I should stop gazing at her. But I can’t tear my eyes away from the exquisite woman.
Fuck sainthood. I’d make her a queen.
My queen.
“Evening, Daniel. Theseon.” It’s the saint of imperfection herself. Cherina.
Time for some clarification in case anyone is keeping score. Daniel tolerates me, probably because he sees me as some heavenly challenge. But Cherina abhors me—yes, angels can be hateful. She has no tolerance for those belched from the fiery pit. On more than one occasion, Cherina has told me that I should hightail my ass back to Hell. My response has always been the same though—she can come with me. I’d love to teach her some things—games of perversion that would singe her fluffy, white feathers. Of course, Daniel is welcome to watch or take part. I’m not choosy.
Cherina’s chocolate eyes size me up. “In your dreams.”
“Trust me, sweetheart.” I shoot her a dangerous smile. “You don’t want to know about my dreams.”
Daniel clears his throat. Another warning without words, but the implication is clear—we’re going too far with a human present.
Cherina ignores me and turns toward Daniel. “I wasn’t aware that Theseon would join us tonight, Daniel.”
He faces Cherina. “And you said nothing about bringing Grace.”
Grace.
A perfect name for a vision of loveliness.
The woman offers me her hand. “I’m Grace Martinez.”
“Nice.” Instead of shaking it though, I lift it to my lips. “I’m called Theseon.”
The scent of roses assaults me. Normally, I despise floral smells, but on her… I’d bathe in a pool of petals if she joined me. A second or two passes before I drop a kiss on her skin. So soft.
“An unusual name,” she says.
“No. It’s an extraordinary name for a—”
Daniel elbows me, cutting off my words. I release her hand and come to my senses. My job is to tempt Grace, not the other way around. I’m supposed to break her will and make her crave the darkness, but she’s so pure I think evil would give up its pursuit. Just the brief time in her presence, makes me want to surrender. Give up all I know to be with her.
Always.
The three of them continue speaking, but I’m too mesmerized by Grace to hear the words. My dick stiffens. My heart pounds. What the hell is wrong with me?
“Stop thinking about Grace like that,” Daniel says to my mind. “You promised.”
“Sorry,” I respond. Since when do I honor promises? Someone in Hell must have gotten a drink of ice water. It’s time for me to go find a soul and twist it until it snaps—a sharp reminder of what I am and my purpose is in this world.
“Leaving so soon?” Cherina asks as I push off the stool.
Running my fingers through my thick, wavy hair, I allow one more look at Grace. The last thing I want to do is go. If given the chance, I’d stay by her side.
Forever.
“Yeah,” I say with regret. “Duty calls. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Nice to have met you,” Grace mumbles.
I simply nod, not trusting myself to say more to her.
Daniel lifts an eyebrow. “Don’t work too hard.”
“It’s no fun without the effort,” I say and head for the door.
The Savage Spot, the newest form of entertainment in town, is a place frequented by Dark Ones—the name reserved for my kind, dark angels. Here we can party with our own and not worry about harvesting souls. The dim lights and techno music provide a much-needed diversion.
Finding a vacant table in a corner, I sit down with a bottle of vodka and a glass—all I need to help me forget my troubles. A beautiful angel with legs for days and perfectly round breasts appears at my side. Correction. She’s what I need to forget about the tempting human.
An hour later, I’ve fucked the female in every possible position, but I don’t feel better. Unwarranted thoughts keep invading my mind. How is this possible? No one gets under my skin. Well…almost no one. Before I came to this world, I spent some time trying to seduce the Prince of Hell—Colt Najex. He turned me down. Over and over again. Some nonsense about not doing angels, even dark ones.
But that was a demon. Humans don’t unnerve me. Ever. So why can’t I get Grace off my mind?