Silence.
Thick, heavy.
I will do as I wish, Cronus finally said, and you will not stop me. Contrary to his words, however, he disappeared.
Aeron struggled to gain his bearings. The god king had never backed down from anything. That he had now, before an angelthat didnt bode well for Aeron, who was far less powerful.
As for you. Lysander held out his hand and a sword composed solely of fire suddenly appeared. The tip of that sword was pointed at Aerons throat before he could blink.
His flesh sizzled, even as his eyes narrowed. Is this about thesoiling?
You have no idea how much I long to kill you, the angel said. Coldly, without mercy.
But you will not. Otherwise, the angel would have already struck. They were clearly the same in that regard. When it was warranted, warriors acted without hesitation. They didnt pause for conversation.
No, I will not. Bianka wouldnt like it. Nor would Olivia. The sword lowered, vanished. I want her back, but shelikes you. Disgust layered his truthful voice. Therefore, you will live. For now. But I want you to make her miserable, to make her hate this mortal life, and I want you to do it while keeping her safe.
Agreed.
So easily? Those dark eyes widened. You do not want to keep her?
Wantyes. In that instant, at the thought of losing her once and for all, he admitted that part of him did indeed want to keep her. At least for a little while. He wanted to help her have fun, wanted to watch her smile and hear her laugh. He wanted to hold her again. Kiss her again. Touch her again. Finally sink inside that sweet little body. But he wouldnt. She would be better off in the heavens, and he could return to the life hed made for himself. A life without complications. Or worry. Well, except for the coming attempts to end his life.
If she remained on earth, she would be human. Fragile. She would soon wither and die. And he would only be able to watch her. That wasnt something he would ever allow himself to do. Not for anyone. Not even her. Especially not her.
Mine, Wrath growled.
No, he forced himself to sayto Wrath, to Lysander. No more ignoring or accepting the demons claim. It was far too hazardous. I dont want to keep her. Unlike the angel, he could lie unflinchingly.
Yet you do wish to. soil her completely?
He pressed his lips into a mulish line. They were not having that conversation. Already his body reacted at the thought of bedding her, hardening in all the right places.
I can see that you do. Very well, then. Or maybe they were. Be with her inthat way, if thats what you both desire. I will not punish you for it, for no one knows better than I that a woman bent on seduction is irresistible. And no one knows Olivia better than I. If she doesnt experience everything Lysander, the fearsome angel actually blushed she wont leave you. So. After the act, make her miserable like I told you. Convince her to leave you without physically harming her, and Ill do my best to convince the Heavenly High Council to spare you and your demon friend.
Lysanders best would equal success. No question in Aerons mind.
Which meant Aeron and Legion would be alive, and Olivia would be forever protected. Olivia, whom Lysander knew better than anyone. That statement roused more emotion than any othereven the one about being spared.
He should be the one to know her best.
Thank you, he forced himself to say. Funny. The words sounded like theyd been shoved past blades.
Lysander backed away, one step, two. Ill go now, but not without first imparting information you have long craved, as you cannot protect my ward the way she needs if you do not know whats happening around you. He didnt wait for Aerons response. But then, Aeron didnt have one. Had he spoken, he might have accidentally sent Lysander on his way rather than urging him to continue. Youve often wondered why Cronus refuses to harm Galen on his own. The reason is simple. Cronus and his wife, Rhea, despise each other. They have taken opposite sides in your war and have vowed not to capture or kill any Lord themselves. Their way of keeping the fight somewhat fair, I suppose. Rhea is, of course, Galens shield and informant.
So. A god was helping the Hunters. And not just any god, but the Titan queen.
Should have known, should have guessed. Aeron had met her once, when the Titans had first defeated the Greeks and overtaken the heavens. Theyd summoned him, hoping he would supply information about the Lords. Rhea had looked as old as Cronus once had, with silver hair and wrinkled skin. She had radiated such coldness and hatred, Aeron had been taken abackthough at the time, hed been more concerned by the news about the changing of the heavenly guard than by one lone goddesss chilly stare.
One more bit of information Ill leave you with, Lysander said, for this will aid you more than any other. Cronus and Rhea are like you.
Like him? What do you mean?
They are gods, yes, but they are also Lords. She is possessed by the demon of Strife and hehe is possessed by Greed.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
OLIVIA GROANED. Her temples throbbed and her brain felt as if it had been doused in gasoline and set on fire. Still, she blinked open her eyes, determined to find out what was wrong with her; tears instantly formed, burning hotter than her head. And now, as awareness swept through her, she realized her mouth felt as if it had been stuffed with barbed wire and cotton.
She smacked her lips, confused, concerned.
Thats a good girl, Aeron said. Though the words themselves were positive, he sounded harried. Even upset. And loud. Way too loud. Wake up. Come on, Olivia. You can do it.
Hush. Through a foggy haze, she managed to focus on him. He crouched beside her, both hands extended. In one, two little pills rested. In the other was a cup of something dark and steamy. Please.
I need you to take these and drink this. At least he whispered this time.
As an angel, her senses hadnt been attuned to this plane and shed never truly smelled what humans cooked or drank or misted all over their bodies. But she could smell now, and that dark liquid was divine. Like bottled power, promising a fresh start, perhaps even a total body healing.
Coffee, she knew humans called it. No wonder they stood in mile-long lines and were willing to hand over every cent in their pockets for a single shot of it.
What are those? she managed to croak out, motioning to the pills with a tilt of her chin. Mistake! The movement sent a wave of dizziness crashing through her.
Just take them. Theyll make you feel better.
That, he hadnt whispered and she covered her ears. Do you have an inside voice? Could you use it, please?
He fisted the pills and gently dislodged her hands. Stop playing. We dont have a lot of time.
Shh! Livvies talking, and shes not averse to crushing your vocal cords if you dont keep it down. Why did she like this man again?
Up. Now.
Gingerly she sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. Her still-burning brain nearly exploded, and she groaned.
Aeron gave her an impatient scowl. No, not impatient. The emotion in that scowl was dark, yes, but whatever he felt was harder. Needier? Had her groan affected him?
She wanted to preen. She did fluff her haironly to realize the curling mass tumbled down her shoulders in countless tangles. Her cheeks flamed as she pulled up the hood of her robe. Or tried to. Frowning, she looked down. Blue tank top, short black skirt.
Why was Her slut-it-up makeover, she recalled. Oh, yeah. But that didnt explain her headache. Her lashes lifted and she met Aerons penetrating stare. Was I injured?
He snorted. Hardly. You drank too much, and are now paying the price.
That wasnt the only price she was paying. One terrible memory after another suddenly flooded her. After that first bottle of giggle juice, which clearly hadnt been so giggly for her, shed experienced a terrible sense of loss. After the second bottle, a crushing sense of depression had come over her, and she had sobbed uncontrollably. Gideon had held her, and shed cried all over him. About Aeron. Mortifying.
Aeron lifted his hand to her mouth. Take the pills, but dont chew them. Understand? Swallow them whole.
Could she? Just then, they looked as big as oranges. Her arm was shaking as she pinched the pills between her fingers and tossed them into her mouth. Tried to swallow. Failed. Ugh. The taste! Her face scrunched in revulsion.
Drink. Thatll help. He held the steaming cup to her lips and poured.
Olivia gagged. While the liquid smelled wonderful, it tasted like a mix of battery acid and dirt. How ladylike would she appear if she spit everything onto the bed?
Swallow, he barked as he set the cup aside.
She did. Barely. The pills slid down her throat, rubbing her raw, as did that disgusting coffee. When she stopped shuddering, she glared up at him. Dont ever do that to me again!
He rolled his eyes and settled back on his haunches. You did it to yourself when you allowed Gideon to get you drunk.
How many times was he going to remind her of her folly?
Now, I need you to get up. Livvie. Weve got something to do.
Right now she only wanted to go back to bed. In fact, she fell back onto the mattress and gazed up at the ceiling. There was a poster of a woman in a bikini, her skin golden, her cheeks red and her nipples hard. Long blond hair blew in the wind. Olivia frowned, confusion returning. That hadnt been in Aerons bedroom before.
She scanned the rest of the room, but didnt recognize anything. There was a walnut dresser with a crystal vase that glistened in the light seeping through white curtains, portraits of different-colored flowers on the walls and pretty beige carpet on the floor.
This doesnt look like your place, she said.
Thats because it isnt.
Her frown intensified. Sowhose is it?
Yours. Youll be staying here with Gilly, in this guest room. Do you know Gilly? He didnt give her a chance to answer. Both Paris and William have bunked here before, hence the poster. Anyway, youll be staying until you decide to return to the heavens.
Realization hit. He was so desperate to be done with her, hed flown her into town while she slept. Oh, that hurt.
Olivia?
Fight past your pain. Yes, I do know Gilly, she said, voice trembling. She knew the girl better than any of the Lords, actually. Gilly was young and sweet and had lived a tragic life until moving here, her parents having hurt her in so many ways.
At one time, Olivia had been responsible for bringing joy into Gillys life. Thats why, when Gilly ran away from home, shed led the teen to Los Angeles. On a level even Olivia hadnt understood, shed known Gilly would find salvation there. What she hadnt known then was that that salvation would be Danika and the Lords of the Underworld.
Her Deity worked in mysterious ways.
But, she continued, Im not going back to the heavens.
Determination glinted in Aerons eyes, but all he said was, Well talk about it later. Right now, as I told you, we have a job to do. Youve got time for a fast shower, but itll have to be a multitasking one. Ive got questions for you, so well talk while youre cleaning up.
He didnt wait for her response, but scooped her up and carted her to the bathroom. There wasnt time to enjoy the ride. He set her down, severing all contact, bent over and worked the knobs in the stall. He had a nice butt, she observed, hugged just right by his jeans. And by nice she of course meant so exquisite her stomach fluttered.
Hot water suddenly burst from the spigot, startling her into averting her eyes. By the time she realized what shed doneneed more!hed already straightened. How disappointing. Or maybe not. That water promised strength, vitality andher lids closed to half-mast. Fun, round two? Possibly. Her first shower, and Aeron would be an observer. Hopefully, he wouldnt be able to look without touching.
The morning was suddenly off to a much better start.
Desire trembled through her.
He turned to her and though he was the same height as always, he seemed larger, more menacing. His eyes glowed that bright violet, his tattoos stark, and the pulse in his neck hammered wildly. He wore a black shirt and black pantsboth easily removableand she could see the bulge of weapons at his waist and ankles.
So beautiful, she thought, heart picking up speed. She wanted to stroke him again. Wanted to dance her lips over his entire body. Especially between his legs. When shed gripped him there, shed felt that bead of moisture.
What would that bead taste like?
He gulped. Had he sensed the direction of her thoughts? You know how to take a shower, right? Youstrip his voice caught on the word step under the water and lather the soap from head to toe.
Are you going to join me? She pulled the tank over her head, letting the material float to the floor. Revealing her body should have made her uncomfortable, she supposed, but she wanted him to see and to yearn, just as she did. Unbearably. Besides, she was confident, aggressive, and now that she knew the kind of pleasure they could give each other, she would do anything, say anything, to receive it. Or are you just going to watch?
If thats the case, you can watch me do this. She cupped her breasts the way she suddenly imagined him cupping them, unable to stop herself. Oh, yes. That felt good.
His eyes widened, seemingly glued to her, the air in the bathroom changing. Charging with electricity. Dont do that. Harsh, choked.
Why not?
Because your Deity should be rewarded for creating those. He shook his head, though his narrowed gaze didnt leave her. I mean, because I Damn you. And damn me. I should be punished. The thoughts in my mind
Were they like hers? Aeron, she beseeched.
I just realized I never kissed them, he uttered in a rough voice charged with the same electricity that hummed in the air. And gods, woman, thats a crime.
Kiss them now. Please.
Yes. He leaned toward her, head bowing, pupils expandingand this time she knew it was desire rather than anger.
Her nipples pearled, waitingexpectantbut just before contact, he caught himself, straightened and growled. She released a breath she hadnt known shed been holding. Hed almost Sweet Deity. He really had almost kissed her there.
Aeron. The ache such knowledge evoked Do it. Dont stop now.
No.
Why?
Because! He knew what she craved, what she needed, yet denied her still. Just because. Bastard! You do this alone. He passed her and stepped outside the bathroom, tugging the door shut behind him, leaving only a small crack of light.
So close
She could have screamed, her skin suddenly too tight for her body. Instead, she removed the rest of her clothing and entered the stall. The moment that first cascade hit her, she wished she had screamed. Anything to ease some of the pressure building inside her. Pressure the soft caress of water merely provoked.
She tried to blank her mind, but an array of words kept claiming her attention. Kiss. Breasts. Bodies. Moving. Kneading. Argh!
I dont hear you lathering, Aeron snapped.
Get bent, she snapped back, an expression shed heard humans utter to those who irritated them. And oh, did Aeron irritate her.
Kiss. Breasts. Bodies. Moving. Kneading. Sliding. Taking. Her knees almost buckled.
Olivia. A warning?
Zip it, demon! Shaking, she pumped a few squirts of rose-scented soap ito her hands and finally began cleaning herself. Even that disturbed her, doubling the pressure. How had he revved her up this quickly and this intensely? Without kissing her?
Kiss. Breasts. Bodies. Moving. Kneading. Sliding. Taking. Possessing. Licking. Sucking.
Soon she would break.
Distraction. Yes, thats what she needed. Did Paris and William use this soap? And yes, you may speak now.
I dont know and it doesnt matter. You shouldnt be thinking about them. More than that, Ill be asking the questions here. How did you know wed fail to capture Scarlet yesterday?
I told you. I know a lot of things that can help you, but so far you havent seemed interested in learning them.
Well, Im interested now, so start talking. Are there any other demon-possessed immortals in town?
Confident, she reminded herself. You think its that easy? Aggressive. You make a demand and I deliver?
A pause. A hesitant, What do you want?
Relief! Well start with an apology.
Imsorry.
Grudgingly offered, greedily received. No, she finally answered. There arent any other demon-possessed immortals in town.
All right, then. Ill need you to take me to where this Scarlet is staying.
Nope, sorry. Olivia twisted and turned under the waters spray, the bubbles running down and off her body. Kiss. BreastsArgh! Im not doing anything for you.
You will.
Another demand, uttered with such determinationdetermination that should have been annoying rather than sexy. Pressure mountingagain Why are you so eager for my aid now?
I want you to see the kind of life I lead. I want you to see the fights and the blood and the pain. I want you to see that I dont care about anyone other than my friends and Legion, and I will hurt anyoneanyonewho threatens them.
Anyoneeven Olivia? Even though hed chosen to help Olivia yesterday and send Legion away? Undoubtedly. Goodbye, pressure. Hello, emptiness. They had been cold, hard words, more vow than threat. He might not want to do so, but he wouldnt stop himself.
All right, she said. If he wanted to spend the rest of his life showing her those things, shed let him. And shed return the favor! Shed show him exactly what hed be missing if she left. Like the breasts he should be punished for ignoring. Like the mouth that wanted so badly to suck on him.
Pressureworse than before
Breathe, she needed to breathe. She manipulated the knobs until the water shut off, the air around her instantly cooling her. Only, that failed to temper her needs. Little bumps broke out over her soaked skin, and she groaned. No more.
Perhaps she could give herself relief, she thought, intrigued. Aeron had used his fingersand she did have fingers of her own She licked her lips, heart pounding anew. He wouldnt have to know. Shed turn the water back on, pretend to need more lathering, and
Done? he asked.
She tensed. II just
Olivia, I believe I mentioned that Im pressed for time.
True. He wouldnt be alive much longer.
The reminder sobered her, chilled her desire as the air hadnt. Shed thought she had accepted his coming death. But nine too-short days? That was hardly enough time to experience everything she wanted to experience with him. Especially as stubborn as he was being.
Youll have to make it enough.
All right, she said with a sigh, and stepped from the stall. Going with him now would also grant them more time together. And she supposed she wouldnt torture him with what hed never have, she thought sourly, hating to abandon so sweet a revenge. She supposed shed offer her breasts and her needy mouthand anything else he wantedwithout restraint.
In between the offerings, she could protect Aeron, as shed vowed to do, should anyone or thing threaten him.
All right what? he asked, confused.
There was a toothbrush on the shower ledge, along with a tube of minty paste. Having seen humans perform the task a thousand times, she knew what to do and managed to brush her teeth without incident. All right, Ill show you where Scarlet lives.
Mouth fresh and clean, she grabbed the brush on the counter. The bristles caught on several tangles, making her grimace, but she didnt stop until her hair was smooth. Next time, shed remember to bring her robe with her even if she didnt plan to wear it.
What changed your mind? Suspicion dripped from each word.
Arguing with you is a waste of precious time. True, if somewhat misleading.
A rational female. Who would have guessed?
She tossed the brush into the sink. An insensitive male who wont get a kiss if he keeps that up. Again, true. And shocking. This vengeful side of hershe liked it.
Silence greeted her. Did that mean he craved another kiss? Despite her new affinity for tormenting, she tried not to hope too intently.
I havent hurt Legion, you know, she said. Even when she hurt me.
Actually, angel, she hurts whenever youre near. Or she used to, when you had wings. But I never did, nor did the other warriors, and were just as demonic as Legion is. Why was that? Were you doing it on purpose?
Of course not. Though its true demons hate to be around angels, youve managed to humanize yours. At least somewhat. Now. Enough talk about Legion, even though Olivia had been the one to bring her up this time. Do you want to know how to capture Scarlet or not?
Sorry, he muttered. Yes. I do.
She fought a grin. Another apology. Just as grudging, but just as sweet. Heres what I know. Because shes possessed by Nightmares, shes weakened during the daylight hours. As she spoke, Olivia studied herself in the foggy mirror. There were bruises under her eyes and her cheeks were a bit hollowed. She only ever wanted Aeron to see her at her best, not like this, but it couldnt be helped. Shes like vampires in that regard. She sleeps during the day, her body too frail even to walk.
Aeron took a moment to absorb what shed said. Well capture her today, then, while shes sleeping.
Why the urgency? And what do you plan to do with her?
Hunters are in town. Weve found their hideout, and we now know theyre being aided by Rhea, the god queen. We want to ask Scarlet a few questions, prevent her from helping the Hunters.
I could have told you they were in town, but you refused to listen to me.
I know, I know, and Im sorry about that, too. So what do you know about Rhea?
Yet another apology from him. The man deserved a reward. I know that she titled herself Mother Earth, and that shes aiding the Hunters, Olivia said, even though all she could think about was giving Aeron that reward. I know that she was weakened inside Tartarus, all the Titans were, and thats how the Greeks were able to get the demon of Strife to possess her.
I cant believe I had the information at my fingertips all along, he muttered. If her demon is taken from her, will she die? Like us?
Yes.
So why is she helping the Hunters?
For the same reason Galen is leading them. They plan to kill you, and save themselves, then use your demons for their own gains. In Rheas case, taking over the heavens and destroying Cronus once and for all.
If he had more questions, and she was sure that he did, he didnt allow himself to ask. Did he plan to go to his other source, whateveror whoeverit was? And he did have a source. That much was clear. He hadnt been this knowledgeable before. If he did, he wouldnt need Olivia, and she hated the thought of that.
Thank you for the information, he said gruffly.
Youre welcome. Push him. Be confident. Aggressive. Show him that he needs you for more than answers. I accept payment in the form of kisses. And anyway, I believe I owe you two. You apologized for your insensitivity, after all.
Aeron cleared his throat. Yes, well, I never said Id pay you. Or accept payment. We, uh, need to leave.
Disappointing man. Just let me Olivia glanced at the towel. If she donned it, she would be giving up, and she wasnt ready to give up.
She bit her lip as Gideons words drifted through her head. Well, her translation of his words. Men liked naked women. Men had trouble resisting naked women. So no towel, she mused, nearly humming with anticipation.
Pressure
Never mind, she said throatily. Im ready.
Arching her back to lift her chesthe did like her breastsshe gripped the doorknob and flung the door open fully. Confident. Aeron was leaning against the wall and had his back to her. His arms were still crossed over his chest. Unfortunately, he was still dressed.
Aggressive. Theyd just have to change that.
Naked and wet, she stepped in front of him, her heart drumming harder and faster than when shed considered touching herself. When he spotted her, his jaw dropped. His nostrils flared. His pupils practically exploded, the violet irises completely obscured.
Olivia almost moaned. Well, well. Gideon had been right. Aeron did like looking at a naked woman.
Push harder. The acheshe needed him to assuage the ache What do you think of my outfit? she asked, twirling.
Strangling sounds left his mouth.
She might never wear clothes again. Im human now and humans always demand payment for their services. Could he hear the excitement and nervousness in her voice? So, if you want any more information from meand believe me, I have a lot to offeryoull have to earn it.
How? The word was a snarlbut that snarl wasnt laced with anger. With those kisses you mentioned?
That was the fee five minutes ago, and you refused to pay it. Therefore, my price has now gone up. If you want to know anything else, youll have to warm me with your body. Im cold. Im so hot, Im on fire.
He gulped. Straightened. His gaze traveled the length of her, lingering on her breasts, between her thighs. His breathing became choppy, shallow. Holy hell. Dying. Im dying.
So am I. Aeron. Give me. Take me.
Therethere isnt time.
Make time, she said, and closed the remaining distance between them. Musttouch
He could have scooted her out of the way, and she wouldnt have been able to stop him, but he didnt. His big hands settled on her waist, his fingers digging deep. Finally!
I shouldnt, he said. Told myself I wouldnt, even though he wont
He? More. Who wont what?
At first, he gave no response, made no reply. Mydemon, he finally said in a hard tone, his fingers spreading to cover more ground. From lower back to buttocks, he touched her. Burned her. He wonthurt you. For once, I dont have to worry.
He, not it? What had changed between the two beings?
Who cared? Progress! So why shouldnt you be with me? If hed hoped to dissuade her from this path, he never should have introduced her to passion. His mistake, and one she would take total advantage of. There arent any obstacles.
Obstacles He floundered on the word, his gaze glued to her lips. We are
She flattened her palms on his chest, unwilling to listen to him rattle off an entire list of problems. As hed probably planned. His heart was drumming harder and faster than hers. A good sign. Still. Wanting it even harder, even faster, she arched her lower body into his and moaned. Oh, yes.
You like getting answers, dont you, Aeron? Thats important to you? For the good of you and your loved ones. Just pay me.
He licked his lips, leaving a glistening sheen of moisture. One taste, thats all she needed. Who would have thought an angel would be such a manipulator? he asked huskily.
Im fallen, she reminded him. Yet again. Now, enough talking. More paying.
Yes
He leaned down just as she rose on her tiptoes. Their lips smashed together, and at first, he didnt respond. She had to force her tongue past his clenched teeth, but the moment it touched his, he groaned and took over.
Oh, did he take over. His arms banded around her waist and hefted her up. She had to wind her legs around him and lock her ankles, otherwise she would have simply dangled there. The new position was delicious, exactly what shed needed, placing her aching core at the tip of his hard, thick erection. An erection peeking past the waist of his pants.
Stupid pants.
His hair, cut so close to his scalp, tickled her palms as she rubbed them up and down. One of his hands cupped the base of her neck and angled her head for deeper contact. Contact she felt through every inch of skin, every cell rushing through her veins, every bone screaming for more.
You have on too many clothes, she told him between deep breaths.