We know about that, Paris said gently. Danika told us.
Not me. William swung back to face the front, but not before she caught a glimpse of utter, undiluted fury on his face. How do you know that?
I was once assigned to her care.
The rest of the drive was made in tense, oppressive silence. Finally they were winding through a neighborhood, a suburb, the houses utterly wonderful and inviting. Thick green trees surrounded the area, one side situated on a hill and rising majestically.
The car stopped in a parking lot, and Paris flicked William a glance. Ill just be a minute. Watch the baggage.
Without warning, and moving so quickly there was nothing Paris could do, William dumped Scarlet in the demons lap, no longer quite so careful. Ill just be a minute. You scare Gilly, and Im not having that. Not today.
I dont scare women. I delight them. Besides, you arent on the checkout list, and I am.
William rolled his eyesa favorite action of his, apparentlyand exited the vehicle. Like thatll stop me. Have you seen my eyes? Theyre electric. Women take one look and Im immediately placed on their checkout lists.
Stop praising yourself and hurry, Olivia told him just as he slammed the door shut.
He saluted her with a grin.
She watched his progression into the school, fingers tracing over Aerons warming brow. He wasnt getting any better, was even beginning to thrash a bit. His brow was beaded with sweat, and his teeth were digging into his bottom lip.
Not knowing what else to do, she began to sing. Sweet songs of peace and health. A few chords into the hymn, Aeron stilled, his pinched expression even relaxing somewhat.
My gods, Paris whispered brokenly.
Her voice tapered off, and she looked up at him. What? Whats wrong?
Aeron began thrashing again.
Dont stop! Paris said. Its beautiful. My ears are already addicted and need more.
Oh. Thank you. Olivia launched into another serenade. Outside, she could see all manner of animals emerging from the forest and approaching the vehicle. Once more, Aeron calmed and she could have wept with joy.
Would she die for him? Her finger traced one of the skeletal tattoos on his cheekbone. Maybe.
WILLIAM STOOD in the schools main office, waiting for Gilly. The receptionist had already called her. As hed told the female that his name was Paris Lord, shed summoned the girl without incident. List crisis averted.
She was short and curved, in her mid-thirties with a sleek brown bob and brown eyeseyes she was now in the process of stripping him with. A routine occurrence. One he usually enjoyed. Not so now. He just wanted to haul Gilly the hell out of here. He liked the little smart-ass, and wouldnt rest until she was safe.
Hed had no idea shed led so terrible a life, and he was ashamed of himself. He knew women. He could figure them out in the span of a once-over. So why hadnt he realized Gilly was hurting?
Her fucking mother and would-be stepfather! Two people who were supposed to protect her. Well, William was with her now and William would ensure nothing like that ever happened again. He was tempted to cut her mother and stepdads throats. Maybe give her their heads for Christmas or something.
Are you Gillys father? the receptionist asked. Shed abandoned her post at her desk and now stood across from him at the counter.
Shit. He hadnt seen or heard her move. That level of distraction was dangerous. Brother, he replied, a bit irritated that he looked old enough to have a seventeen-year-old daughter. Yeah, he was pushing two thou, but he didnt have a wrinkle on him, damn it!
Oh. Thats nice. She grinned and slid a piece of paper his way. If youd ever like to discuss her curriculum, heres my number. Call anytime.
Ill definitely be in contact. He, too, grinned, though his was forced. He pocketed the paper, knowing he wouldnt use it. Education is so important.
That earned him a giggle, and he tried not to cringe.
Women. They were both a blessing and a curse. Sex, he loved. Sex, he needed, craved. Sex with the wrong woman had gotten him locked up. Sex with the goddesses who visited him in prison had gotten him kicked out of the heavens. That hadnt stopped his libido, however. Actually, nothing stopped his libido. Even the curse hanging over his head.
One day, a woman of great beauty and power would tempt him. One day, that woman would trick him into loving her. One day, that woman would enslave him. And then, that woman would kill him.
It had already been prophesied.
Maybeperhapsokay, not really likelyhe could have avoided females altogether and saved himself the trouble of such a death sentence. But even that wouldnt have saved him. That, too, was part of the prophesy. To avoid women and sex was simply to condemn himself to a much faster, much more painful death.
The only way to stop the unnamed woman and break the curse had been written in a book. A book that was nearly impossible to decode, so he had yet to find the answer. Also, the minor fucking goddess of Anarchy had possession of that book, returning it page by stingy page. Hed hate Anya for such a thing if he didnt love her so damned much.
Theyd spent hundreds of years in Tartarus as cell neighbors. Her wit had been the only thing to keep him sane.
William? Gillys husky voice suddenly rang out.
He turned on his heel and there she was, standing at the end of a long hallway. She was slender, dark haired, dark eyed, and moreknowledgeable than someone her age should ever be. That should have been clue number one, he thought.
Maybe hed sensed it, but hadnt wanted to acknowledge it.
She wore jeans and a T-shirt, and sneakers that had a tracking device hidden in the soles, not that she knew it. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, not a speck of makeup on her face.
That didnt seem to bother the boy next to her. He was staring at her as if hypnotized. But having heard her say Williams name, that boy had frowned. And when he followed the line of her gaze and spotted William, his frown deepened and he paled.
Boyfriend? Or potential boyfriend?
Someone would have to put a stop to that. She was too young, with too traumatic a past. She needed to be alone. Until she was at least forty.
Hey, pet, William said with a finger wave.
Grinning, she rushed forward and threw herself into his arms. He hugged her tight before latching onto her wrists and gently pushing her back. He might enjoy her, might want the best for her, but he didnt want to encourage her crush anymore.
What are you doing here? she asked.
The boy shed been with eased up behind her. He was tall for a teen, reaching Williams ear, with brown hair and blue eyes.
Who are you? William demanded unceremoniously.
C-Corbin, sir.
What kind of a name is Corbin Sir? And if you ever hurt Gilly, I swear to the gods I will personally
Gilly slapped Williams shoulder. Stop. Coris my friend. He just wanted to make sure I reached the office okay.
Well, thats admirable, William said, never removing his narrowed gaze from the boy. As long as protection was his only goal.
Corbin pulled at the collar of his shirt. Are you herboyfriend or something?
Brother, William said as Gilly said, Yes.
His gaze finally whipped back to her, and he arched a brow. Yes? They needed to have a chat, then. Maybe later, though. Hearing the word had caused something to tighten in his chest. Hed figure out what that tightening meant first.
So why are you here? she asked again, her cheeks reddening.
He didnt like that hed embarrassed her, but there was no help for it. Aerons been hurt. There are problems in the city, and we want you in the fortress with the others until its safe again.
Aeron? Corbin asked.
Another brother, William informed him.
The boys eyes widened. How many do you have?
A lot, Gilly replied with a weary sigh. So youll be there, Liam? At the fortress?
Liam. Her nickname for him. Once hed liked it. Now he saw it as the endearment it was meant to be. Oh, yes. Theyd be having a chat. Damn his irresistible beauty. Yes, Ill be there. So lets go home, pet. Aerons in the car and he needs some medical attention stat.
Despite her fear of the Lords, she paled with worry, grabbed his hand and led him from the building. Bye, Cori, she called over her shoulder.
Bye, the boy returned, and there was a bit of an edge to the sound.
William spied the Escalade but couldnt see Olivia through the window tint, not to mention the god-awful number of deer now surrounding the vehicle. However, he didnt have to see her to know that if they failed to get Aeron to the fortress safely, the angel, for all her goodness, would erupt into a seething cauldron of feminine fury. It was there in her eyes, a churning, unstoppable passion just waiting to boil over. Something she probably didnt realize she was capable of, but William realized it because, unlike his cluelessness with Gilly, hed picked up on Olivias dreams, fears and needs the moment hed seen her.
Aeron was her everything. If the warrior died, even the gods wouldnt be able to stop her rampage.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
OLIVIA SAT AT THE EDGE of Aerons bed, hip pressed to hip. Legion sat on his other side, hip pressed to hip. In their concern for him, theyd worked together to strip him. Olivia hadnt allowed herself to look at his penis, no matter how often the voice had told her to do so.
Oh, yes. The voice of temptation had returned.
Weak as Aeron was, any peeking on her part would have been wrong. He was so weak, in fact, that he hadnt stirred once. Hed even stopped moaning, though she wasnt singing, and she didnt think that was a good sign.
His wound was still seeping, and even though the piece of her robe wrapped around his shoulder was self-cleaning, it couldnt keep up with the flow and was soaked through. His tattooed skin was clammy, no longer hot with sweat. To warm him up, theyd placed blankets all around him, but it hadnt affected his plummeting temperature.
As a last resort, theyd sat beside him, hoping their body heat would be the magic cure.
What did you do to him? Legion demanded, hands rough as they petted him.
Nothing, Olivia replied, though she couldnt keep the guilt out of her tone. She should have done more for him. He was shot by Hunters.
Because you didnt protect him.
Slap her.
Ignoring the voice no longer proved difficult, her concern for Aeron overshadowing everything else. What could I have done? The question brought a fresh wave of torment.
You could have taken the bullet for him. I would have.
Yes, Legion probably would have. Im a failure as a girlfriend. Not that she was his girlfriend. But she wanted to be, therefore she should have acted like one. Even if he survives this which he would, she would accept no less hes going to die in a few days because of you. Oh, Deity. Sorrow joined the torment.
Liar! Though the word was snarled, Legion leaned down and gently kissed Aerons brow. Do you hear this, darling? Your angel is a liar. You will never die. I wont let you.
Shove her away and claim your man.
Again she easily ignored the voice and the darkness that came with it. In nine days, an angel assassin will come for him. That assassin will take his head. Because of you. Because you wouldnt stay in hell where you belonged. Rage now.
Legion straightened, twisted toward her, teeth bared in a glower. Once more, her eyes were glowing that demon red. Another word and Ill stab you while youre sleeping.
While Im sleeping next to Aeron? The taunt was all her own, and she couldnt regret that shed said it.
You bitch!
Uh-oh. Catfight, an amused voice said from the doorway.
William.
If only it had been William to fascinate her, she thought then. He would have seduced her that very first day, and because his attention span lasted only a few days, she easily could have given him up at the end of her two-week trial.
Then again, she probably would have taken his head if ordered, so she wouldnt have sacrificed her future for a little time with him in the first place. Where Aeron was selfless, William was selfish, a trait that would have been irritating in anyone else. William wore it well, that was for sure.
He had one shoulder pressed into the doors frame, arms crossed over his chest. Sorry we tried to stab you when we got home, he said to Legion. He and Paris had been completely taken aback when theyd spied the strange female flying down the steps and shouting Aerons name.
Theyd tackled her to the ground. Only Olivias explanation about who she wasand how shed gotten that wayhad stayed their hands from delivering a deathblow.
Should have stayed quiet, she thought. Not that it would have done any good. Torin, who had eyes and ears all over the fortress, it seemed, had quickly confirmed her story.
You cant blame us, though, William continued smoothly. The change is mind-blowing. Besides, I figured wed reached our limit on pretty females long ago and couldnt possibly be lucky enough to score another.
Ugh. Flirting. Did William never stop? The only time she hadnt heard him flirt was on the drive back to the fortress. Gilly had tried to gain his attention, but hed been strangely silent.
Well, its not like you would provide a real fight for me, the demon girl grumbled, probably charmed despite herself. Werent they all?
You wound my honor. He clutched his chest. Well have to fight again later and see who actually comes out on top. I prefer my battles naked. You?
You said you were going to talk to the others, Olivia interjected, moving them along. Does anyone have any idea what could be wrong with Aeron?
Thats actually why Im here, William said, accepting the change of topic without protest. Torin thinks hes been poisoned.
Poison. That made sense. And considering the people in high places the Hunters knew, she would bet that poison was heaven-sent. Human poison, like human alcohol, wouldnt have affected him this severely. Does Torin have a remedy? she asked hopefully.
William gave a grave shake of his head. Hes got the women searching through old scrolls Reyes has, so Id give them another few hours before you start panicking.
Hours? Did Aeron have that long? She gulped, tears burning her eyes. Perhaps it was time to change the subject again. If she broke down, shed be no help to anyone.
Hows Scarlet? she asked shakily.
Locked up and still sleeping. Cute little thing, he added as an afterthought. I might have a go at her.
Well, I think shes ugly, Legion huffed. Just like the angel.
Fallen. Olivia didnt spare her a glance, instead remaining focused on William. That cute little thing can kill everyone here. Tell the Lords and the women to stay awake if at all possible. The moment they go to sleep, Scarlet can invade their dreams even when shes asleep herself. Theyll think whats happening in those dreams is real, and their bodies will react accordingly, making any injury they sustain in the dream a reality.
Wait. Aeronasleepnightmares Had Scarlet already attacked Aeron? Olivia had to stifle a cry at the thought. She had to wake him. Soon.
William pursed his lips. You couldnt have told us that little gem before we brought her here?
Would it have mattered? Saved Aeron? Im an even worse girlfriend than Id realized.
No, he said with a sigh. Probably not.
The truth, or was he trying to absolve her of culpability?
Oh, and speaking of nightmares, he added, there are animals all around the fortress, just like there were around the car at Gillys school and in the cemetery. Want to explain that?
I wish I could, Olivia replied, suddenly grateful to him and eager to help him any way she could. Ever since I left that crypt, theyve been seeking me out and I dont know why. Last thing shed done was summon her inner light and
And there was the answer. Her inner light. Of course. Theyd sensed that light, and now sought the source. She explained to William.
Cool trick, but its really freaking everyone out. And by everyone I mean everyone. Lucien flashed the rest of the men here. You know, the ones who were in Rome. And heres a little tidbit of gossip. Grinning, he rubbed his hands together. Flashing makes Reyes ill and while vomiting, he had to fight off birds and rodents.
Im sorry.
Sure you are. Legion shot her a scowl. Youre a troublemaker. Nothing goes right when youre around.
Oh, shut up! Olivia snapped. We should be thinking of ways to help Aeron. Or, at the very least, finding him a doctor.
He doesnt need a doctor. He just needs me. And Im going to be there for him. Legion began peeling off the dress shed found while Olivia and Aeron had been fighting for their lives. A barely there dress clearly meant to rival Olivias slut-it-up outfit.
Olivia gaped at her. You plan to be there for him by ravishing him while he sleeps?
Thats right. Naked, completely unabashed, Legion pinched the covers around Aeron and pulled them back, clearly meaning to do as shed claimed.
Well, thats gonna have to wait. Legion, honey, I need you to come with me, William said with a crook of his finger.
Frowning, she paused, and her huge breasts jiggled. Why?
Why? he asked, as if he hadnt thought that far ahead.
Yes, why?
Oh, well, I need to introduce you to the warriors whove been out of town. That way, they wont try to attack you when they come to check on Aeron. And they will. Check on him and attack you, I mean.
He was making it up as he went along, Olivia suspected, trying to give her some alone time with Aeron. She could have hugged him.
But I cant leave him, Legion whined.
Well only be a moment. He smiled a beautifully practiced smile. Promise.
Fine, Legion grumbled, jerking the dress over her head and smoothing the white material down her dangerously curved hips. She hissed at Olivia. If you touch him, Ill eat your eyes in front of you and youll have to watch, unable to stop me!
Olivia didnt point out the flaw in her plan as the two left the bedroom and shut the door behind them, William winking over his shoulder. Not knowing how long this reprieve would last, she didnt waste any time stretching out beside Aeron herself.
Kiss him
When things settled down, she was going to figure out who was invading her head and why.
She wouldnt kiss him, but she would pray.
As she caressed her hand down Aerons chest, she closed her eyes. Dear Heavenly Deity. I come to You now, as a humble servant who loves You. This man, he isnt evil, despite the evil inside him. Hes kind. Hes considerate. Hes capable of great affection and boundless loyalty. Those are the very things You value most. Hes to die, I know. But not now. Not like this. You, who can work all things, even the worst of things, to our good, can heal him, making him ever stronger. You, who long ago conquered death, can save him.
Please hear me. Please help me.
Why are you doing this to yourself, Olivia? Hes going to die eventually, anyway.
Lysander. That was even faster than shed hoped. Thank you, thank you, a thousand times thank you!
The voiceTemptation, she was going to call himscreeched in frustration. Not him. Anyone but him. I cant stand that bastard.
Then leave, she snapped, a suspicion blooming. Temptation clearly hated her mentor, an angel, and the only beings to hate angels were demons.
That meant Temptation was a demon.
I will. So for now, later, baby.
When this demon returned, and he would, she had no doubt, she would have to be better guarded.
Olivia? Lysander said.
She opened her eyes a crack. Sure enough, her mentor stood off to the side. Tall, imposing, pulsing with power. His golden wings arched over his shoulders, and his robe swayed at his ankles.
What had he first asked? Oh, yes. Why are you doing this to yourself? Aeron doesnt deserve to die like this.
Many do not deserve the deaths that come for them.
She curled into Aerons side, acting as his shield, as a proper girlfriend should do. You were given a second chance with your Harpy. I deserve a second chance with Aeron.
And when his time is up, will you request a third?
To answer as he wished was to lie. Why are you here, Lysander?
A muscle ticked in his jaw. Im here to tell you that your prayer was heard. Im here to tell you that Aeron will be healed, but that you must make a sacrifice in return, as is our way.
Sacrifice. Yes, that was usually the way of things. Since the beginning of time, self-sacrifice, undiluted proof of love, had always held the power to sway her Deityand change the world. I accept. Therefore, you may do what you were sent to do and leave.
He remained unmoving. Do you not care to know what you will be losing?
No.
Are you sure? Well, no matter. I will tell you, anyway. You will lose your Voice of Truth. No longer will others believe everything you say. No longer will you never face doubt. No longer will you recognize a lie the moment its spoken. And if you decide to return to the heavens and be the angel you were meant to be, you still wont have your Voice of Truth. It will be gone from you forever.
Automatically, her hand sought her throat. Lose her truth? She would rather lose her hands as Gideon had. How would she deal with Aeron doubting her, when she would know in her soul that what she spoke was true?
Her gaze flicked to him. So still, so pale. So gaunt.
Think carefully, Lysander said. Every hour, every minute, the path you are on develops more dangerous curves. And do you know what I see at the end of that road, no matter the direction you take? Do you know what awaits you there? Death, Olivia. Your death. And for what? A few more days with him. A few more days with a man who made a deal with me.
Wh-what deal?
I vowed that if he can convince you to return to the heavens, I will try and convince the Council to spare his life as well as his demon companions.
Her mouth floundered open and closed. In shock, yes, that Lysander was now willing to fight the Council when hed always denied her pleas to do so, but mostly in hurt. This explained so much. Lysanders secret visit with Aeron. Why Aeron hadnt given her that last orgasm. Why hed wanted her to see him fight, showing her the harshness of his life.
She meant nothing to him. Not really. How could she, if he were so eager to use her as a bargaining chip? And yet, he was still a man she admired. He was willing to do anything to save someone he loved. To save Legion.
If only that loved one could have been her.
If I return with you, you can guarantee he will live? she croaked.
I can try. Which didnt sound like a guarantee to her. Whats important here is that he agreed, Lysander added before she could reply. Hes willing to part with you to save himself.
The hurt expanded, consuming her, choking her.
Does that change your mind about this healing? Lysander asked quietly. Hopefully. This sacrifice?
No, she answered without hesitation. Aeron had placed Legions well-being above hers, yes, but shed expected that. What she hadnt expected was to lose him before their time was up. Despite everything, she couldnt lose him. I still wish to make this bargain.
Sadness filled Lysanders eyes. Then so it shall be done.
As the last word left him, her vocal cords seized. For a moment, she couldnt speak at all. Couldnt even gurgle or gasp or breathe. She clawed at her throat, her mind fogging as ice and fire melded in her blood.
It will pass, Lysander said, suddenly in front of her and stroking her temple. It was what hed done anytime shed failed to bring her human charges joy. Offered comfort. He had always wanted the best for her, and clearly did now, as well. He was not a bad man, and she would do well to remember that.
As hed promised, oxygen finally began to seep past her throat and into her lungs. The fire dulled, the ice melted. The fog dissipated. Grateful, she sucked in breath after breath.
Would Aeron have done the same for you? Lysander asked. No. Do not answer. Just think about all I have said.
She nodded. She would be able to do nothing else.
Be prepared, sweet Olivia. Aeron could very well be injured like this again. I fear Rhea has given the Hunters water from the five rivers of the Realm of Hades.
Olivia flinched. Such water used as a weapon meant certain death. A sip, a touch, and goodbye forever. Even the soul withered. The only way to combat the vile poison was to drink from the River of Life. A river even she didnt know how to find.
Theyve been making their own bullets and each of those bullets contains a single drop of that water. He withdrew a small vial from his robe. Aeron needs only a drop of this to heal. The rest I would hide. Just in case. Use it carefully, however, for when its gone, youll receive no more.
River of Life? Hand trembling, she claimed the vial.
But dont think, even for a moment, that this will save him after his head is taken. And it will be taken, Olivia. An assassin will come.
Her gaze fell. Lysander knew her well; she had been thinking along those lines. No matter. She shook her head, tossing away her disappointment and renewing her determination. She would simply find another way.
I thought you meant to petition the Council for him.
And so I shall. We know the results such a petition will wield. He does not. They were lenient with you, but then, you are one of us. He is a demon. There will be no leniency.
Would telling him do any good?
How you worry me, Olivia. Lysander sighed. I will leave you to your task.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
GIDEON, KEEPER OF LIES, tossed and turned atop his bed. His boxers were glued to his sweat-soaked skin, his bandaged handsor lack thereofthrobbing painfully. Blood had beaded on those bandages and as much as hed healed, that hadnt happened in weeks. Regression?
He was asleep but still aware, which was weird as shit, and trapped in the thickest darkness hed ever come across. Again weird, if not technically true. Not for his demon, at any rate. The darkness inside Pandoras box had been just like this, suffocating and maddening. Something Lies hadnt stopped screaming about since entering the strange realmscreams that blended with the ones layering the darkness. Thousands and thousands of discordant shrieks, each one more tortured than the last.
Clawing his way out proved impossible.
Gideon. Gideon, man, wake up. Youre not supposed to sleep.
He heard Pariss voice, wanted to obey, but again, he couldnt. The darkness was too cloying, wrapping around him, holding tightly, nearly drowning him. And then he did drown, losing that thread of consciousness altogether. Cant breathe
The gloom parted, and he sucked in a greedy breathonly to scramble backward. Oh, hell, no. Spider!
Dont calm, his demon told him.
You dont calm! Panting, trying not to screech like a pussy, he flattened himself against the wall. The monstrous spider followed, those eight hundred legs stabbing into the ground, those beady eyes practically peering into his soul.
Enemy, Lies said. Meaning, friend.
Hardly. Shit, shit, shit. Every brain cell he possessedall of which were trapped in that shit-haze of panicsuddenly let him know, in high-def detail, that he would be this creatures dinner. Hed rather be set on fire. Hed rather be hanged. Hell, hed rather be gutted.
Ill be so tasty, he said desperately. Truth was, hed taste like shit, but then, even in his dreams, he couldnt say what he meant. At least, he didnt think so. Hed never tried it. And wouldnt. The consequences could be just as devastating as when he did so in real life. Pain, pain and more pain.
Memories of his last tangle with truth were fresh in his mind. A few weeks ago, hed told a Hunter what he really felthateand what he really wanted to dohurt, maim, kill. All because he, who could spot a lie from a few thousand miles away, had been tricked into believing Sabin, keeper of Doubt, was dead, slain by Hunter hands. Stupid of him. But as the pain racked him, hed thought whats a little more and had volunteered himself for torture to save his friends from having to endure it.