So greedy, she thought with a sigh.
The rock-hard yet smooth mattress underneath her shifted and moaned.
Wait. Rock-hard? Shifted? Moaned? Jarred into lucidity, Olivia now had no trouble prying her eyelids apart. She jerked upright at the sight she beheldor didnt behold. The indigo haze of a rising sun and fat, puffy clouds were nowhere to be seen. Instead, she saw a bedroom with jagged stone walls, a wood floor and polished cherrywood furniture.
She also saw a lacy pink lounge chair.
Realization slammed into her. Fallen. Ive fallen. Shed descended into hell, and the demonsdo not think about them. Already, with only that small memory, her body had begun trembling. Im with Aeron now. Im safe. But if she truly was mortal, why did her body feel sofit?
Another realization: because she wasnt truly human.
Fourteen days, she recalled Lysander saying, before she lost all of her angelic traits. Did that mean Could her wings have
Biting her lower lip, afraid to hope, she reached behind and felt her back. What she encountered caused her shoulders to slump with both relief and sadness. No injuries remained, but her wings had not regrown, either.
Your choice. Your consequences. Yes. She accepted that. It was strange, though. This wingless body belonged to her. A body that would not live forever. A body that felt both the good and the bad.
And that was okay, she rushed to assure herself. She was in the Lords fortress, and she was with Aeron. Aeron, who was underneath her. How fun. So far this body had only experienced the bad, and she was more than ready for the good.
Olivia scooted off him and twisted to study him. He was still sleeping, his features relaxed, one arm tossed over his head, the other at his side, where she had been. Hed been holding her close. The corners of her lips lifted in a dreamy smile, and her heart fluttered wildly.
He wasnt wearing a T-shirt, and the knowledge caused her hearts fluttering to pick up speed. She had sprawled across the colorful expanse of his chest, had lain on those tiny brown nipples, those ropes of muscle and that intriguing navel.
Unfortunately, he was wearing jeans. His feet were bare, though, and she saw that even his toes were tattooed. Adorable.
Adorable? Really? Who are you? People were being murdered on those toes. Still, she wanted to trace her fingertips over them. She did trace a fingertip over the butterfly on his ribs. The wings curled into sharp points, destroying any illusion of delicacy.
At her touch, breath pushed from his lips, and she jolted backward. No way did she want to be caught molesting him. Well, without his permission. The action proved more forceful than shed meant, and she propelled off the bed completely, plummeting to the floor with a painful thwack. Hair danced over her face, and when she brushed the strands aside, she realized shed awoken Aeron.
He was sitting up, glaring down at her.
Olivia gulped and waved up at him shyly. Uh, good morning.
His gaze roved over her, narrowed. You look better. Much better. His voice was rough. Probably from sleep, and not desire as every cell in her body hoped. Are you healed?
Yes, thank you. At least she thought she was healed. Her heart had yet to calm, its continued erratic beat foreign to her. And there was an ache in her chest. Nothing terrible, as the pain in her back had been, but odd. Her stomach was even quivering.
You suffered for three days. Any complications? Any lingering twinges?
Three days? She hadnt realized so much time had passed. And yet, three days hardly seemed long enough for her to have healed so thoroughly. How am I all better?
He glowered. We had a visitor last night. He didnt give me a name, but he said he would heal you, and I guess he was true to his word. He didnt like me, by the way.
My mentor. Of course. Healing her would have meant bending the rules, but Lysander had helped make those rules. If anyone would know ways around them, it was him. And an angel who didnt like Aeron? Lysander for sure.
Once more Aerons gaze raked her, as if searching for injuries despite the truth in her claim. His pupils dilated, gobbling up every bit of that lovely violet. Not with happiness, but withanger? Again? She had done nothing to quash his earlier tenderness. Had Lysander said something to upset him, then?
Your robe he croaked, and quickly turned away from her, giving her his back. His second butterfly tattoo greeted her, and her mouth watered. What would those jagged wings taste like? Fix it.
Frowning, she looked down at herself. Her knees were drawn up and her robe was bunched at her waist, revealing the small, white panties she wore. He couldnt be angry about that. Anya, Luciens wife and the minor goddess of Anarchy, wore much less on a daily basis. Still, Olivia smoothed the soft, flowing material to her ankles. She could have stood and rejoined him on the bed but decided not to risk either falling or a rejection.
Im covered now, she said.
When he faced her, those pupils still blown, he tilted his head to the side, as if he were replaying their conversation through his mind. Why do you have a mentor?
Easy enough to answer. Like humans, angels must learn how to survive. How to help those in need. How to fight demons. My mentor wasisthe greatest of his kind, and I was blessed to work with him.
His name. The two words lashed like a whip, hard and sure, cutting.
Why such a negative reaction? I believe hes an acquaintance of yours, actually. You know Lysander, yes?
Aerons pupils finally retracted, the violet irises once more visibleand drowning her in their irresistible depths. Biankas Lysander?
She smiled at the description. Yes. He visited me, too.
The night I thought you were talking to yourself, he said, nodding.
Yes. And he planned to return. That, she didnt mention. Lysander loved her and wouldnt hurt Aeronyetbecause that would, in turn, hurt her. At least, that was the hope she clung to.
Aeron scowled. The angelic visits have to stop, Olivia. Between Hunters and our demons, we have enough to deal with already. Even though Lysander helped you, even though Im grateful, I cannot allow the continued interference.
She laughed. She just couldnt help herself. Good luck with that. Stopping an angel was like stopping the wind: in a word, impossible.
His scowl intensified. Are you hungry?
The subject change didnt bother her; it actually delighted her. Hed often done the same thing with his friends, moving from one topic to another without warning. Oh, yes. Im starved.
Then Ill feed you before taking you into town, he said, throwing his legs over the side of the bed and standing.
Still Olivia remained in place, but this time the immobility was because her limbs felt as if they were anchored to rocks. First, he was gorgeous. All muscle and danger and mouthwateringly colorful skin. Second You still mean to cast me out?
Of course.
Dont you dare cry. Why? Had Lysander said something, as shed suspected?
Better question. When did I ever imply otherwise? He strode to his bathroom and she lost sight of him. There was a rustle of clothing, and then a burst of water upon porcelain.
But you held me in your arms all night, she called. You cared for me for three days. That had to mean something. Right? Men didnt do such things unless they were besotted. Right? In all her time with Aeron, shed never seen him with a female. Well, besides Legion, but the little demon didnt count. Hed never held her in his arms all night. So his attention to Olivia was special. Right?
There was no reply. Soon, steam and the scent of sandalwood soap were drifting through the room. He was showering, she realized, and her heart once more picked up speed, even skipping a beat altogether. Hed never showered when shed been here before. Hed always waited until she had left.
Seeing his naked body had become an obsession.
Was he tattooed there, between his legs? If so, what design had he chosen?
And why do I want to lick that design the same way I want to lick the butterflies? Imagining doing so, Olivia traced her tongue over her lips before freezing in astonishment. Bad, naughty girl. Such a desire
Well, Im not fully an angel anymore, she reminded herself, and she wanted to seeand tastehim. So see himand hopefully taste himshe would. After everything shed endured, she deserved a little treat. Or maybe a big treat? Either way, she wasnt leaving this fortress until shed gotten a peek.
Determined, Olivia finally pushed to her feet. Without her wings to center her, she had no sense of balance, and quickly toppled over, sharp pains exploding from her knees and making her wince. This pain, however, was bearable. After the wing extraction, everything was probably bearable.
Again, she stood. Again she fell. Argh! All too soon, the water shut off. There was a slap of wet flesh against marble, and then a glide of cotton from metal.
Hurry! Before it was too late.
For balance, she placed one foot in front and one in back and spread her arms wide. Slowly she inched to her full height. She wobbled left, then right, but managed to stay upright this time. Go, me!
Then Aeron emerged from the bathroom, and disappointment filled her. There was a towel wrapped around his waist and another winding around his neck. Too late. Double argh!
You showered so swiftly. Surely you missed a spot, she said.
He didnt flick her a glance, but kept his attention on the dresser in front of him. No. I didnt.
Oh.
Now its your turn, he said after placing a T-shirt on top of the wood. He used the second towel to dry what little hair he had.
Had she called him gorgeous before? She should have said magnificent. My robe cleans me. Did she sound as breathless to him as she did to herself?
He frowned, still not facing her. Even your hair?
Yes. Her hands were shaking as she pulled the hood over her head, gave it time to work its magic, and then cast it back. As the material fell, she smoothed a hand through her now silky, smooth locks. See? All of me.
Finally, he looked her over, gaze sliding down her body, lingering in certain places, heating her blood, making her skin tingle. When their eyes met, his pupils were once again dilated, black overshadowing violet.
Seriously, what was she doing to cause such anger?
That it does, he growled. He turned on his heel and strode forward, entering his closet and disappearing from view. The towel soared out and landed in a heap on the floor.
He was naked again, she thought, forgetting his anger. Nows your chance. Grinning, Olivia propelled into motion. She managed two steps before toppling and landing on her kneesthen launching the rest of the way to her stomach, air whooshing from her lungs.
What are you doing?
Up, up she looked. There was Aeron, in the closet doorway, dressed in that black T-shirt, now paired with jeans. Hed also pulled on a pair of boots and weapons were probably strapped all over his muscled body. His eyes were narrowed, his lips drawn tight in a frown.
Foiled again. She sighed in dejection.
Doesnt matter, really, he said, clearly done waiting for her reply. Its time for us to go.
Now? You cant take me into town, she rushed out. You need me.
He sputtered for a moment. Hardly. I need no one.
Oh, really? Someone else will be sent to do the job I couldnt do, remember? As you couldnt sense Lysander when he visited me, you wont be able to sense another angel.
Aeron crossed his arms over his massive chest, the very picture of male stubbornness. I sensed you, didnt I?
Yes, he had, and she still hadnt figured out how hed done so. Well, like I said, you didnt sense Lysander. I, however, can see the angels. I can warn you when another approaches. Not that they would come for him until her fourteen-day reprieve endedwait, they had an eleven-day reprieve now, since three had already passedbut he didnt need to know that.
He popped his jaw left and right, disrupting the flow of the images etched there. You told me you were hungry. Lets find you something to eat.
Again with the subject change. This time, she hated it, but still let it slide, sensing further argument was futile. Besides, she was hungry. She crawled to her knees, then eased to her feet. One step, twothreeSoon she was in front of Aeron, smiling at her success.
What was that? he asked.
Walking.
Took you so long, Im officially fifty years older.
She raised her chin, pride undiminished. Well, I didnt fall.
He shook his headin exasperation?and took her hand in his. Come on, angel.
Fallen, she automatically corrected. The feel of his fingers curled around hers, warm and strong, made her shiver. A sensation she wasnt allowed to relish.
When he tugged her forward, she tripped over her own feet. Thankfully, before she could kiss the ground again, he jerked her up and into his side, anchoring her there.
Thank you, she muttered.
Now this was the life. She snuggled as close to him as she could get. Throughout the centuries, shed watched many humans succumb to their baser desires, but until that golden down had appeared in her wings, she hadnt truly wondered why they did so. Now she knew: every touch was as delicious as Eves apple had probably been.
She wanted more.
You are a menace, Aeron mumbled.
A helpful menace. Maybe, if she reminded him enough, he would begin to realize that he did, in fact, need her.
He didnt offer a response, but led her down a hallway, keeping her upright the entire time. Even better, he had to carry her down the flight of stairs. Something she would have enjoyed far more if she hadnt been so distracted. The walls were lined with portraits of the heavensangels she recognized flying through the cloudsas well as hell. The latter she avoided studying, not wanting any reminders of her time there.
Also lining the walls were pictures of naked men, most lounging on beds of silk. Those she stared at, a fact that didnt embarrass her. Really. Even when she had to mop up her drool. All that skinthat brawnthat sinew Too bad they werent tattooed from head to toe.
Anyas been doing some decorating. You should cover your eyes, Aeron said, his deep voice cutting into her ogling.
Why? Covering her eyes would be a crime. One that would surely insult her Deity, for wasnt it her duty to admire his creations?
Youre an angel, for gods sake. You arent supposed to look at such things.
Im fallen, she reminded him. Again. And how do you know what Im supposed to do?
Justclose your eyes. He dropped her legs, forcing her to stand, and ushered her around a corner.
A bevy of voices suddenly assaulted her ears, and she stiffened, stumbled, unprepared to deal with anyone but Aeron.
Careful, he said.
She slowed her steps. People were unpredictable, and his immortal friends more than most. Worse, her body was now susceptible to all forms of injury. They could torture her, physically, mentally and emotionally, and she wouldnt be able to fly away.
In the heavens, everyone loved everyone else. There was no hate, no cruelty. Here, kindness was often an afterthought. Humans often called each other terrible names, tore down each others self-esteem and purposely broke one anothers pride.
Olivia would have been happiest spending every minute of her humanity alone with Aeron.
You weighed the good versus the bad, remember? You thought the possibility of pleasure worth any price. You can deal. You have to.
You okay? he asked.
Yes. She was determined.
They rounded another corner, entering the dining room, and Aeron stopped. Immediately, the voices tapered to quiet. Olivia did a quick scan and saw that four individuals sat at a table piled high with food. Four potential torturers.
Fear sparked inside her chest, and she had trouble catching her breath. Before she realized what she was doing, she had pulled from Aerons clasp and inched behind him, hiding from view. To remain upright, she had to flatten her palms against his back.
Finally. Fresh angel meat, a woman said with a husky laugh. We were beginning to think Aeron planned to keep you hidden forever. Not that I wouldve allowed such a thing, you understand. Id already dug out my trusty lock pick and had a rendezvous scheduled for midnight.
A nice-to-meet-you rendezvous or a how-does-the-tip-of-my-blade-feel rendezvous? Probably the latter. Olivia recognized the raspy voice as that of Kaia Skyhawk, Biankas twin and Gwens big sister. She was a stealing, lying Harpy, and the spawn of Lucifer. She was also aiding the Lords in their quest to find Pandoras box, and would destroy anything she viewed as a threat. Like an angel.
Gwen, the youngest Skyhawk, lived here with Sabin, though the pair was currently in Rome, last Olivia had heard, along with several others, searching one of the Titans newly risen temples for artifacts that had once belonged to Cronus.
Silly Cronus, whom the Lords assumed was all-powerful. If they only knew
Id keep my mouth shut if I were you, the one called Paris warned the Harpy.
Olivia peeked around Aerons shoulder.
Why? Kaia asked, unconcerned. You think Aeron will attack me? You should know by now that I like to wrestle. In oil.
Pariss lips pursed at the unpleasant reminder of his own oil-wrestling experience. With Lysander. Something Olivia would have loved to watch. No, I dont think you should be quiet because of Aeron. I think you should be quiet because youre prettier that way.
There was a feminine snort, and Olivia smiled in response. No longer drunk with pain and memories, she found, to her surprise, that her fear of the demons was fading. Maybe she really could do this.
So, Olivia, Paris said. How are you? Feeling better?
Though she didnt move from behind Aeron, she replied, Yes, thank you.
Mmm. Id love to give you something to be really thankful for. This speaker was William, she realized. He was handsome, wickedly so, with black hair and blue eyes. He was also an untamable rogue with an odd sense of humor Olivia didnt always understand.
Someone needs to remove your something for the good of womankind. That pronouncement came from Cameo, the only female Lord. Well, the only one the Lords knew about. She was possessed by Misery, and all the worlds sorrows rested in her voice.
Just then, Olivia wanted to give the woman a hug. No one here knew it, but Cameo always fell asleep crying. It was heartbreaking. Maybemaybe they could become friends now, she thought, again surprised by her still-fading fear.
Now that thats out of the way, Aeron said, once again taking Olivias hand and dragging her with him as he marched forward. When he reached the table, he pulled out a chair for her.
She kept her eyes downcast as she shook her head. No, thank you.
Why?
I dont want to sit alone. Not after shed experienced the bliss of having him as her mattress and then her cane.
Sighing, he plopped into the chair himself. Fighting a triumphant grin, Olivia perched herself on his lap. Well, she fell into his lap. No longer able to use him as a cane, shed had no anchor to steady her. He stiffened, but didnt rebuke her.
She had no idea what everyone thought of her display because she kept her gaze downcast. For the moment, she was calm and she wanted to stay that way.
Wheres everyone else? Aeron asked, picking up the conversation as if it had never tapered off.
Lucien and Anya are in town, still looking for your Shadow Girl, Paris replied. Torins in his bedroom, of course, watching the world and keeping us safe. Danika Aeron flinched at the girls name, and Olivia patted his hand in comfort. Clearly, he still felt guilty for almost killing her. Danika is painting something, but she wont tell us what yet, and Ashlyn is looking over the scrolls Cronus gave us, trying to remember if she ever heard a conversation about any of the people listed.
The scrolls in question documented nearly everyone who had been possessed by one of the demons released from Pandoras box, Olivia knew. Angels had kept watch over them throughout the centuries, so she knew where a few lived. Would she be marked for death by her own kind if she told? Would that break an ancient law?
Gods, Sex. We should rename you Boring. Lets get to the good stuff. Introductions are in order, yes? William prompted. Its only polite, really.
Since when do you care about politeness? Aeron barked.
Since now.
Behind her, she heard her warriors teeth grind. This is Olivia. Shes an angel, he said to no one in particular. His harsh tone didnt invite further conversation.
Fallen angel, she corrected anyway. She spied a bowl of grapes and couldnt stop her squeal of delight. Three days of neglect caught up with her.
Sharing and moderation, creeds she had lived by all her life, abandoned her as she grabbed the bowl and pressed it into her chest. One by one (handful), she popped the delicious fruit into her mouth, savoring, moaning her satisfaction. But all too soon, the bowl was empty and she frowneduntil she spied a plate of apple slices.
Yummy. Olivia leaned forward. She would have tipped to the side, but Aerons big hands settled on her hips, securing her in place and making her shiver. Thank you.
Welcome, he rasped.
Grinning, she swiped up the plate and settled back in his lap. He tensed as she did so, and poked her in the lower back, but she barely noticed. The slices, too, were consumed amid happy moans. Food tasted even better as a human. Sweeter. Necessary rather than an afterthought.
Finally full, she glanced up to offer someone the last remaining slice. Everyone was staring at her, and the food settled like lead inside her stomach. Im sorry, she said automatically. What had she done wrong?
Why are you apologizing? Kaia asked. There was nothing malicious in her tone, only genuine curiosity.
Everyone is watching me, so I thought More than that, Aeron was tenser than before.
Im with the Harpy, William added, wiggling his eyebrows. I love a woman who molests her breakfast.
She had not done that. Had she?
Kaia slapped the back of his head. Shut it, playboy. No one cares about your opinions. To Olivia, she said, In case you had trouble grasping my meaning, Im staring at you because Im curious about you.
Just as Olivia was curious about her, she realized. The Harpies could only eat what they stole, lied unabashedly and killed with abandon. In short, they were the antithesis of the angels, yet they enjoyed life to its fullest, which was why Lysander had chosen to be with one.
Soon, I will enjoy life to the fullest, as well.
Do you know Lysander, my twin sisters man? Kaia asked.
Yes. Very well.
The Harpy propped her elbows on the table, rattling dishes. Is he as ironfisted as I think? Disgust layered her voice.
Probably more so.
I knew it! Poor B. Sympathy darkened her features, but she quickly brightened. I know. You and I can put our heads together, because two gorgeous heads are always better than one, and plan ways to loosen him up a bit. We can even get to know each other better. The girls of the house have to stick together.
Not possible. Im taking Olivia into town. Aerons hold, which had never fallen away, tightened further. Therell be no planning. No loosening up. Definitely no getting to know each other.
Olivias shoulders slumped. Had Aeron always been so harsh and she just hadnt noticed? Or was this attitude for her benefit? Are you sure you want to get rid of me? she asked him. Im good for you. I promise!
Because you can help me? A question when it should have been a statement.
She wanted to shake him, the stubborn man. Yes.
Well, weve got enough helpers here, so, yes, Im sure.
I can also make you smile. That was my job, you know. Her old job, anyway, and one she missed. Would you like to smile?
He offered no hesitation. No.
I would. William clapped. I like to smile when Im in bed and naked, so I say we keep her.
Aerons nails dug past her robe and into skin, but she didnt protest. If she did, he would remove his hands, and she liked them where they were. Like Kaia said, your opinion doesnt matter.
Besides, Kaia added. I doubt the big guy even knows how to smile.
I do, too, Aeron snapped, causing everyone to laugh.
Sure you do, Grumpy. Kaia tossed her bright red hair over her shoulder. Listen, theres no need for you to take her into town. News flashIm taking myself up on my offer and getting to know her. Im totally impressed by the fact that she got herself booted from the heavens, and I need all the juicy details.
As will I. Cameo nodded to emphasize her determination. Be getting to know her, that is.
You can include me, too. William blew Olivia a kiss, and her cheeks heated with a blush. No need to say anything. I already know what words are perched on your tongue. Stop me if Im wrong, but my getting to know you will be your pleasure.
Aeron growled low in his throat. Shes not staying, and there will be no pleasure. As I said, I am taking her into town and leaving her there. Today.
But why? Olivia asked. She might have hated her duties as a warrior angel and might not have ever made a kill, but that didnt mean she was a complete pushover. You said you didnt want any more helpers, but I promise you, those you have cant help you with the next angel sent to kill you.
She expected someone to speak up and agree with her, but no one seemed to care that a heavenly assassin would be coming to snuff out their friend. Everyone at the table, including Aeron, probably assumed the Lord was invincible.
So of course, he remained stubborn. I dont care.
She slapped the apple plate back where shed found it, rattling the dishes far more than Kaia had. I can also help you defeat the Hunters. Truth.
Olivia, he said, and she didnt have to see him to know he was gazing up at the ceiling and praying for patience. Except, if she wasnt mistaken, the prayer she actually heard him mutter was for strength. We are demons, and demons and angels do not mix. Besides, Legion cant return until youre gone.
The one argument she couldnt refute absolutely. ButbutIm willing to try to get along with her. If he heard her panic, he gave no indication. And Ill be nice to all your other friends, too. How could I not? I gave up everything to save you.
I know. The words were snarled.
The least you can do is
I didnt ask you to give up anything, he snapped. So, no. There is no least I can do. Youre healed. Were even. I owe you nothing.
Cameo ignored him, propped her elbows on the table and leaned forward, closer to Olivia. Forget about him. He just hasnt had enough caffeine yet. Lets backtrack a bit. How can you help us with the Hunters?
Finally. Interest, even if Cameos tone was more morose than encouraging. Olivia raised her chin another notch. For one thing, I know where other demon-possessed immortals are located. Thankfully, lightning didnt strike her at the confession, and angels didnt appear with fiery swords raised. You said you were looking for them, I believe.
A moment passed in shocked silence, all eyes hittingand staying onher.
Aeron, Cameo said.
No. It doesnt matter, his hard voice proclaimed. We have the scrolls for that.
Yes, but they give names, not locations. The female Lords stare became penetrating. Sabin will want to talk with her when he returns.
Too bad.
If that dickwad Sabin wants to talk to her, that means Gwennie will want to, as well. Kaia drummed her nails against the tabletop. And as you know, puppy, I ensure that my sister gets what she wants. Besides, Im about to die of boredom since no one has attacked the fortress as promised.
Harpy, Aeron snapped. Dont try my patience. You will obey me in this and let the angel go.
Warriors are so adorable when they think theyre all tough and commanding. Kaias arm shot out, again rattling dishes, and she snatched up a handful of eggs. A handful she then launched at Aeron.
Olivia quickly dodged, and the eggs slapped Aeron in the face. His lips curled in a grimace as he wiped away the yellow mess. Rather than touch her again, however, he flattened his palms on the arms of the chair.