I arrive at Irin’s sitting room dressed in jeans, combat boots, and a sweater, ready to do battle. I haven’t been able to focus on anything since those moments in the hallway, too consumed with doubt and anger after witnessing Adriel try to seduce Legion. All that faux reassurance from her, and I believed her. I’m not only pissed at her conniving, two-faced behavior, but I’m also pissed at myself for letting my guard down.
“You ok, E?” Niko asks after kissing me on the cheek.
“Yeah.”
I head to the far end of the sectional and plop down unceremoniously. Crysis is already here, successfully avoiding eye contact since our awkward episode in the gym, along with Irin, whose presence is confusing considering she’s adamantly neutral. She instructs her staff to start distributing glasses of wine and spirits. Good. Alcohol. That’ll certainly ensure I keep my shit together.
Niko raises a knowing brow and sits beside me. “Uh oh.”
“Uh oh, what?” I sneer.
“You’ve got the look of a woman with a score to settle.”
I start to lie, to tell him that he’s wrong, but then Adriel walks in, the perfect picture of virtue and elegance in another floor-length silk gown. The fabric is an iridescent white, and her hair is pinned up, showing off her slender neck. Any and all attempts to hide my contempt are DOA.
Niko snorts a laugh at the murderous expression that no doubt is etched on my face. “Yeah. You seem totally ok.”
When the Se7en file in a moment later, Legion leading the pack, I still haven’t released my fury. But the fire currently burning a hole in my chest turns molten, and my rage morphs into something else. Hurt. And jealousy.
He could’ve set her straight, and he didn’t. He could have told her that his sleeping habits are none of her damn concern, and he didn’t. At any point in that torturous conversation, he could have told her to kick fucking rocks because he doesn’t want her, and he didn’t do that. No mention of me, or what I thought we had before all this shit went down. Instead, he promised her Later. He left the door open for more.
I don’t even know how to take that.
His earlier actions had shown that he had no interest in continuing any type of relationship with me, but then that moment we shared in the gym… I saw him. I glimpsed the man he was, the man I know he still is deep down. At least I wanted to believe I did. Now I’m not sure if I ever really knew him at all.
At that moment, Kairo comes to us with glasses of wine. He gives me a wink when I take mine then sashays to a hidden area while another one of Irin’s underlings—a svelte, leggy brunette wearing nothing more than a bikini top and a short sarong—tends to the Se7en. I don’t miss the way Adriel’s soft green eyes track her, just as mine do.
“Let’s begin,” Legion announces, the booming bass of his voice immediately drawing everyone’s attention. “We have intel that crime in the city is at an all-time high. Riots, looting, violence. It’s as if the angels have completely pulled their influence, and have invited in destruction.”
“What does that mean?” I frown.
When Adriel turns to smile at me, I resist the urge to spit my wine in her face. “The analogy of humans having an angel and a devil on each shoulder. There are ambassadors of good and evil—light and darkness—that help to influence a person’s decisions. Angels and demons cannot take away their free will, but they can sway them. The human’s intentions are purely theirs though. If they seek to do harm, then they will. If they want to go in the way of goodness, the righteous one is victorious.”
“And if the Seraph has decided to withdraw angelic guidance, Chicago and its people will burn to the ground,” Crysis adds, his expression grim.
“An act to draw us out,” Lilith chimes in, pursing her pink, glossy lips in disgust. “Petty, even for them.”
“But smart,” Phenex countered. His honey eyes fall to the floor. “I’m afraid we don’t have much time. If we don’t stop this—if they don’t get what they want—they’ll sentence millions of innocent people to death.”
“Ok…” My gaze falls on each of the Se7en. “What is it that they want?”
“Me.” Adriel releases a sigh. “They want me.”
I can’t stop my inner asshole, and the words fly out of my mouth. “Then what’s the problem?”
“It’s too dangerous,” Legion remarked, defending his precious Adriel. Angry tears burn the backs of my eyes. “Uriel is unhinged. There’s no telling what he’d do to her.”
“And there’s the little matter of your mom and the Redeemer,” Toyol adds.
“Hold up. Eden might be on to something,” Cain surprisingly muses. He lifts his palms in faux defense when the others turn to glare at him. “Hear me out. What if we used Adriel as bait? Promise a trade, set a trap, grab our shit, and get out.”
Legion shakes his head. “Too dangerous.”
“Seriously…how ancient are these fuckers? We have technology on our side.”
Legion’s jaw tenses, his tell for when he’s contemplating a risky plan. “Their strength, their abilities…they’re unparalleled. How would we know they wouldn’t be luring us into a trap?”
Cain releases an exasperated huff. “I get that, but—”
“I’ll do it,” Adriel announces, her chin raised.
“What?” The shock on Legion’s face, the flash of bewilderment…it hurts.
“I’ll do it,” Adriel repeats. “If it means ensuring the safety of everyone here, I’ll do it.”
“I can’t let you do that.” Legion shakes his head. “They’ll never go for it. Besides, there’s no way we’d make it out of there alive when we don’t even know who we’re up against.”
“So maybe we find out,” I suggest, rolling my eyes. The back and forth is exasperating as fuck, but I try to stow the underlying annoyance in my tone and be constructive. “What if we bring them to us? Scope out what we’re up against. At least after that, we can formulate a plan based on what we know.”
“You can’t be serious,” Crysis scoffs.
“Listen.” I turn to Irin, who looks amused by the whole conversation. “This is sacred ground, right? No blood can be shed here.”
“Not out of contempt, it can’t.” She smiles suggestively, and I don’t even want to know what that’s about.
“Which is why this is considered a haven for creatures of both good and evil, seeking a reprieve from inherent obligations. What if we invited them? What if Irin threw a party? They wouldn’t suspect we were behind it. No doubt, they’d show, if only to try to sniff us out.”
Legion crosses his arms over his chest, stretching that black tee almost beyond its limits. “And they’d know we were here the moment they stepped foot on the property. Then what?”
“Not necessarily,” Niko pipes up beside me. “The cloaking spell used on Eden…I think I know who helped Uriel wield it.” Dramatic pause. “My father.”
“Stavros?” I question, remembering the suave, dark-haired man whose crystal blue stare made me uneasy, and not in a good way. He was Lucifer’s bitch in Hell, but I could tell he was power hungry. He reeked of desperation.
“Yes,” Niko answers. “I could manipulate that magic, use it to veil you all. Because of our numbers, I’ll need some time to prepare, but I’m sure I can pull it off.”
Legion pinches the space between his brows, contemplating the plan, yet he doesn’t speak.
“This could work,” Toyol co-signs, nodding his head. I can see the wheels already turning for the Se7en’s resident tech guru. “I may even be able to get a tracking device on one of them, which would hopefully lead us right to where ever they’re posting up.” He looks to Irin. “Surveillance?”
The ancient beauty gives him a sly grin. “I have my own. I guess a bit more wouldn’t hurt. And when are we hoping to throw this little soiree?”
It’s Phenex who replies. “The sooner, the better, with your permission, of course.”
“Permission granted. As long as it’s alright with your leader, that is.”
Legion still hasn’t authorized the plan, but I can tell he’s considering it. If he weren’t, it would have been a hard, definitive No. No further discussion required.
“And you’re sure you can do a spell to veil us all?” he asks Niko, his silver gaze shaded in skepticism.
“I am,” Niko nods. “It will only last for a few hours, but I can do it. I’ll need to prepare, but it’ll be fairly simple.”
“Whatever you need,” Legion states. “We appreciate your help.”
Niko shrugs. “Thank your brother. Besides, it’s been a while since I got to show off.” He turns to me and gives me a flirtatious wink. We both know Legion is tracking his every move. What game is he playing at?
“If that’s settled,” Legion grumbles. “Lilith and Andras, you’ll be point for all party arrangements. Toyol on tech. Phenex and Jinn will be my eyes and ears on the ground. Cain…I want you to sit this one out.”
“What the fuck for?” the scarred demon roars.
“Because I want you with Eden’s sister. Do not leave her side. She’s human—vulnerable and still recovering. If something happens, you need to be able to get her out of there.”
“I assure you,” Irin pipes up, “the precaution is not necessary.”
“That’s final.” Legion’s tone is the proverbial period on the edict.
Cain stiffly nods his obedience. I’m sure it’s hard for him to be benched, but he knows it’s for the best.
“In the meantime, I’d like you to work with Eden when she’s not training with Crysis.” That gets our attention, and both Cain and I frown at Legion. “You’re the best arms man I’ve got. She should know how to wield a weapon.”
“Would I even need to? Given my abilities?”
“The Seraph are the oldest, strongest immortals in history. They’re indestructible, their power immeasurable. You’re a newborn Nephilim—no more than a flea to them. You’ll need all the help you can get.”
I know he speaks the truth, but it still stings a bit, especially coming from him. I’ve always known I was weak in comparison to all the supernatural creatures in my life, but damn…a flea?
“Is that it?” Crysis questions, climbing to his feet before Legion answers.
“Yes. I’m sending my scouts out tonight. Hopefully, we’ll have more information in the morning.”
Crysis gives a stiff nod then strides out the room as if he can’t wait to get away from the rest of us. He seems extra prickly, especially in comparison to how he was earlier. I can’t help but wonder if it’s because of me.
“You eat?” Niko asks as we all rise to disperse. I look across the room to Legion. To my surprise, he meets my gaze and doesn’t look away.
“Um, not yet. Wanna meet for dinner? I have to do something real quick.”
Niko follows my line of vision and shoots me a naughty smile. “Something or someone you have to do real quick?”
I shake my head and chuckle before placing a soft peck on his cheek. “Give me five minutes.”
I know I should be furious with him, but I can’t help it. I need to hear him say it—I need to know if he still has feelings for Adriel. I know where her heart is, but what about his? And is he even capable of love now?
“Can I talk to you?” I ask quietly. The rest of the Se7en cease their chatter and look to their leader. So much for not feeling like a total outsider.
Legion steps to the side and nods. “Of course.”
“I just want to…” Shit. What do I want to talk about? There’s so much to say, but this is neither the time nor the place. Especially with Adriel standing just feet away, pretending to be engaged in a conversation with Irin. “I was hoping you…if you had time…that we could talk. Like, talk-talk. Things have…changed. And I just want to know exactly how much they’ve changed, ya know?” I sound like an insecure fool, but that’s exactly how I feel. I’m like a puppy at his feet, just hoping—praying—he’ll drop a scrap of food every now and then.
Legion is quiet for longer than I anticipate. Fuck. This was a mistake.
“This was a mistake,” I say aloud. I try to turn away to salvage what’s left of my wounded pride, but he grips my arm at the elbow. His skin is hot…hotter than I remember. He’s burning up.
“Don’t…” There’s an urgency in his tone that I haven’t heard in so long. I look up to see his silver eyes swirl with unnamed emotion. He still feels. I know he does. “Don’t go. Please. Yes, I want to talk. Can I come to you? Tonight?”
The way he says the words, it’s like he’s uncertain that I’d agree… I don’t understand it. Little does he know that I would say anything—do anything—just to have him back with me. Just to hold him close under the glow of moonlight and let the hum of his heartbeat lull me to sleep. I miss him, more than I’ve let myself admit. The revelations about my father, my birthright, and Legion’s own transformation have been a welcome distraction. But even those truths can’t soothe the constant ache in my chest.
“Yes. Tonight.” My voice is merely a hoarse whisper, but he hears me—he always does—and nods.
“Well, well. Someone’s got a little pep in her step,” Niko comments as he sees me approach. He’s waiting outside the kitchen holding a tray of dome-covered dishes.”
“Shut up,” I retort, but I can’t help the broad smile on my face. Tonight. Legion is coming to me tonight. Not a half-assed Later like he promised Adriel.
“Everything good?”
“Yeah. I think so.”
He leads me down the hall, to his living quarters, which is in the opposite direction from mine. It’s decorated similarly to the one I’m in, although it’s more masculine with its darker colors and heavy, wood furniture. Even the giant four-poster bed screams sexuality and strength.
“Geez, Niko. If you wanted to get me alone in your room, you didn’t have to bribe me with food.” I flop down at the edge of the bed and kick off my shoes.
“Well, I figured I’d feed you first. Usually, when ladies spend the night with me, they pass out from overwhelming pleasure, not hunger.”
Niko sets down the tray, then with barely a flick of his hand, a bottle of red and two stemless glasses appear beside it.
“Damn. Sometimes I forget you can do the hocus pocus shit,” I jibe.
“Don’t let the good looks fool you, baby,” he winks, uncorking the bottle. After he pours us each a glass and strolls over to the bed to hand me mine, he says, “I have to admit…I did kinda lure you here under false pretenses.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah.” He takes a sip. I guess even warlocks need a little liquid courage every now and then. “The preparations I need to make for the veiling spell? I need to recharge…to replenish my magic so I’m at full strength in order to pull it off.”
“Ok…”
“I need to breathe someone.”
“And by breathe you mean…”
He releases a heavy sigh. “I need to siphon the essence from someone’s body. Not enough to kill them, but enough that a human would not survive it.”
I take a swig of wine. “Oh.”
“Yeah. And even if I did feel comfortable going to a demon or an angel, which I absolutely do not considering it could kill me, my only other option is Crysis. And you.”
“Oh.” I sound like a broken record. “Well, sure. Do me. Whatever you need. When?”
“Before I attempt the spell. So the day before the party.”
“Ok. Yeah, I’m down.”
Niko nods, and tacks on, “I just need you to understand what the process entails. It can be extremely sensual in nature. Magic is seductive to my kind, and the ritual usually leads to sex.” Before I can open my mouth to protest, he adds, “Of course, that won’t be the case with us. But I want you to know that there may be lingering, unavoidable effects for me. And for you.”
“So what are you saying? You’ll be aroused?” I swallow thickly.
“Most likely. And you may be too.”
“I see.”
“Look, if this is too uncomfortable for you then—”
“No,” I shake my head. “No, I’ll do it. You’re the closest friend I have in the house, and you’re doing this to help my mother. And you’re in this mess because of me. I’ll do it. It’ll be fine.”
A long beat of silence stretches between us as we preoccupy our hands with drinking wine, pretending not to be thinking of the breathing ritual that looms ahead.
When our glasses are dry, Niko turns to me, a devilish slash of a smile blessing his beautiful face. His crystal blue eyes shine with mischief. “So now that that’s out the way, shall I take off my clothes? Or would you like to do that?”
I playfully punch him in the arm and order him to refill my glass.