And oh, heavens above, he was hot and cold at the same time. He trembled. He...wanted more. He wasnt what she needed; hed already realized that. His past being what it was, he had no right to console a female. Hed hurt too many. He deserved a whipping, a beating, not a caress. But he just couldnt bring himself to move away.
Youre so warm, she said.
Youre so soft.
She reached up, her fingers again toying with the ends of his beard. So even my thoughts matter?
Of course. Your thoughts can create a fiery storm or a peaceful sea.
But I cant control
You can. If the wrong thought comes, force yourself to think of something else. Thats good advicewhy dont you follow it, too?
She sighed. What about the water you gave Laila?
It healed her body and cast the demon out of her, but what will happen if shes attacked by other demons? Will she once again cave to the toxin and fear?
She had a demon inside her?
Yes. Perhaps he should have broken that particular piece of news more gently.
Several moments passed in silence. I had no idea. Was so ignorant. A tremor raked her body, and warm tears soaked the fabric of his robe.
Tears? He had to see her face. Koldo palmed her waist, lifted her and parted her legs with his knee. She gasped as he settled her on his lap, and only then did he realize the sheer intimacy of the position.
He bit back a groan. Of pleasure. Of pain.
Of need. And regret.
Frightened of me? he rasped. Of this. He would rather die than cause the same reaction as her boss.
No. Her eyes were watery, glassed over, but the tears had stopped. Ive just... Ive never been in this position before.
Never?
A sense of possessiveness filled him, hotter than fire, more lethal than a flood. Do you have any other questions for me?
I do. She hooked her fingers over the collar of his robe and rubbed, as if she experienced the same compulsion to touch. Her skin brushed against his, cool where he was overheated, soft where he was calloused.
Must wrap my arms around her and urge her closer...closer still...then mesh my lips against hers...kiss her...savor her. Devour her.
He didnt. One thought stopped him. He couldnt put his filthy, ugly lips on so innocent a female.
But...what if he did it anyway? What if he gave in? What if she liked it?
Temptation had arrived, he realized, whispering so prettily.
He resisted. Her fragile heart would give out from too much stimulation in one day. And maybe, just maybe, so would his.
Ill answer one, he croaked. Just one. I dont want to overload you.
She thought for a moment, nodded. Do the demons look like little monkeys?
Two circuits seemed to connect in his mind, and he frowned. There was only one way she could have known what one of the lowest-ranking demons looked like. You saw the one in the office?
Him and many others. Two have even been hanging around Laila, she admitted shakily.
Yes, hed seen those two. One had been inside her. The other was his friend. They ran away every time Koldo neared. Theyll continue to return to her as long as she feeds them.
Tension radiated from her. And if were attacked by others?
Koldo would sense it. But...what if he didnt...or what if he couldnt get to her? Call upon the Most High. Hell send whoevers closest to help you. Germanus would never be as powerful as the Most High, and wouldnt hear a humans cries. More than that, he was limited in the number of troops he could send.
How do you know that for sure?
He promised to rescue every human who calls upon Him, and He always keeps His promises.
Every human. Even me?
His brows furrowed into his hairlineor what had once been his hairline. Are you human?
Har, har. You know that I am. Wait. I am, right?
Do not smile. You are. And now, Im ending this conversation. For both their sakes. There are chores to be done, and hopefully Im man enough to do them.
CHAPTER TWELVE
NICOLA WATCHED as Koldo stalked through her entire house, fixing everything that was broken, reinforcing the locks on the windows and doors, and even flashing in and out to stock her cabinets and refrigerator with food. All the while, she reeled.
The monsters shed seen as a child were real.
Demons had poisoned her and her sister.
The guy she couldnt stop thinking about wasnt even human.
She focused on himthe least complicated. Was he naturally bald or had he shaved his head? There was no hint of stubble on his scalp, which led her to believe there were no follicles. But that hardly mattered. As beautiful as he was, he had no need of hair.
And now that she knew what his back looked like under his robe, she found him more than beautiful; she found him breathtaking. Running parallel to both sides of his spine was scar tissue about twelve inches long and four inches thick. At one point in his life, hed had wings. Something or someonea demon?had cut them out. Now, crimson ink branched from both scars, forming glorious wings. The design was so amazingly detailed, each individual feather accounted for. And the muscles underneath those tattoos...sweet mercy.
How could a man who looked as fierce as he did be so kind? Or were the man and the Sent One intertwined? Could there not be one without the other?
And what about the smoldering fire in his eyes? Did it spring from a place of danger? Or desire?
He finished stocking her cabinets and leaned against the half wall between her kitchen and living room. He folded his arms over his chest and nodded. So you do know how to relax.
Har-har. If you want to pamper me, Im going to let you pamper me.
Actually, I want to question you. Why do you work so hard?
What he was really asking: Why do you work so hard, yet live in such squalor? Medical bills was all she said.
He opened his mouth, closed it, then pushed out a heavy breath. I want to pay your bills, he said hesitantly, probably expecting her to fly off the couch and attack him for daring to suggest such a thing.
As if such a kind proposition would offend her. I wasnt hinting or anything like that, she said with a smile. And wait a second. You have money?
A lot of money. Sent Ones are rewarded for our work. And I would like nothing more than to do this.
But
Id planned to pay your bills one way or another. This way, I can take the past-due notices stacked in the basket youve labeled Doom with your knowledge rather than stealing them and perhaps earning myself a punishment.
To have such a huge financial weight lifted from her shoulders...to no longer live in fear of losing her house, having her utilities turned off, to be able to afford real Hostess Twinkies rather than a dry knockoff...
Oh, Koldo. She leaped from the couch and threw herself against him. At first, he was stiff. After a few seconds, however, he softened and wrapped his arms around her. Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. I accept. Youre welcome, by the way, she teased in an effort to mask her trembling chin. I mean, Im such a giver, unwilling to allow you to be punished.
He snorted, and it was such a gorgeous sound. This pleases you, then? Makes you happy.
It does. Her heart thundered in her chest in a boom, boom, boom rhythm. I know I should feel guilty, too, like Im using you for your money or something, but I just cant summon the emotion.
He stiffened all over again, saying, If you feel a shred of guilt, I will rescind my offer.
You heard the part about being unable to summon the emotion, right? And youre loaded, arent you? Thats what a lot means, right?
Yes, Im loaded, he said, the stiffness leaving him.
Of course he was. A dreamy sigh left her. You have to be the sexiest male Ive ever met. Beauty, brains and megabucks.
He stilled.
Her words echoed in her mind, and she almost groaned. No. No, no, no. She hadnt just said that aloud. She couldnt have said that aloud. I mean, you have to be the sweetest man Ive ever met.
He peered down at her, silent.
You consider me sexy? he finally asked.
She had. She really had said it aloud. Heat filled her cheeks. To hide, she buried her face in the hollow of his neck. What would you do if I said yes? He might have touched her today, might have held her close, but she hadnt forgotten what hed said. I dont want you in that way.
I would tell you...that you have had a very eventful evening, and that you will have to wait until tomorrow. His voice was gruff. I would show you my reaction then.
And just what, exactly, would he show her?
Her heart fluttered as he set her away from him and strode to her kitchen table, where the Basket of Doom waited. He lifted it highand it disappeared.
She blinked, saying, Uh, what just happened?
I placed the items inside a pocket of air.
She closed the distance between them and reached up, trying to feel the spot where the basket had last been seen, but she was too short. Even when she jumped. And jumped again.
His lips twitched at the corners. Is there a problem?
Do not crack a short joke, Gigantor.
Very well. Allow me. Koldo wrapped his big hands around her waist.
The strength of his grip wrung a startled gasp from her, though he was nothing but gentle as he lifted her off her feet. She palpated the air. Theres nothing solid, she said, amazed.
The pocket is a small doorway between the spirit realm and the natural. Slowly he set her back down.
Realm?
One for your world, and one for mine.
Thats so cool. She turned, intending to return to the couch.
He reached out and cupped the back of her neck, forcing her to stay. No, doing more than that. Tugging her deeper into the hard line of his body. Heat rolled through her, and she gave another gasp.
Dont be afraid. Am I strong enough to force myself on you? Yes. Will I? No. His gaze pierced all the way to her soul. Ill never hurt you, Nicola.
I know, she said, and shivered. He was so intense. She flattened her palms on his chest, on the softness of his robe, the hardness of his muscles.
I told myself I wouldnt do this while the memory of what happened today is so fresh. But then I got my hands on you. He leaned down, coming closer and closer, his lips soon a whisper away from hers. Now I have a desire to replace the bad with the good. Its a desire I no longer want to resist.
Cant quite catch my breath. I like...the way you think.
Then we should start over. Do you find me sexy?
She gulped, softly admitted, Yes.
Just like that, his pupils expanded, black consuming gold. Very well. My reaction. He lowered his head and pressed his mouth against hers, the contact soft at first, noninvasive, and yet still her head spun. Then he lifted his head and peered into her eyes. Whatever he saw must have encouraged him because he once again lowered. This time, his tongue flicked out, tasting her, and he moaned. Eager for more, she opened for him.
He swooped in, angling his head, hesitantly rolling his tongue against hers. At the moment of contact, a cascade of heat melted her bones, and she sank into him, her body suddenly smashed against his.
The force of the kiss increased, quickened.
This was... This was...
Good, he rasped, and she wasnt sure whether he was asking a question or commanding her to like it.
Perfect. But perfect hardly seemed adequate.
Magnificent. Heady. Exquisite. No, they werent good enough, either.
Her tongue met his, thrust for thrust, her fingers sliding through his beard, locking behind his neck, kneading of their own accord.
The horror of the day faded. Mr. Ritter ceased to exist. There was only this moment and Koldo. Hed been right. Shed needed something good to wipe away the bad.
Am I hurting you? he asked, and there was something in his tone. Something shed never heard before. Vulnerability, perhaps.
No. Promise.
Not giving you enough?
Youre giving me plenty.
He lifted his head. Lines of tension branched from his eyes and mouth, and a bead of sweat rolled down his temple. My blood is heating, practically in flames already.
Mine, too.
You were pleased?
Very. Was he...unsure of his performance? Was that the problem?
Back down he went, not just kissing her but consuming her. His big hands roved over her back, up and down, up and down, then rode the ridges of her spine. As strong as he was, he managed to keep the touches light.
Koldo, I want... I need... More.
Nicola, Laila called, her voice cutting through the tension.
Koldo jolted, then set her away from him, looked away from her and rolled his shoulders, as if he had wings he wanted to flare.
Ill be back, he said tightly.
Wait. What? No! Where are you going?
He ignored her, saying, Im commanding you to take the day off tomorrow. To rest.
I will. But
No. No buts. There will be no arguments. Remember?
He was using their bargain against her, she realized. So, what else could she say, but, Dont worry about me. Ill remain calm, be at peace and sow joy. Her voice was trembling. And thank you. For everything.
He nodded, but the action was stiff. Do us both a favor and guard your thoughts, your words.
I will.
Good. He nodded again, glanced at her lips, stepped toward hertook another step and vanished.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Co Co?
What am I going to do with that man? Coming, La La.
She raced into the bedroom on unsteady legs, only to grind to a halt, everything else suddenly forgotten. The sight that greeted her brought a fresh round of tears to her eyes. Her beautiful sister was here, home, and totally lucid. She was sitting up, with blond hair tangled around her delicate shoulders. Her color was healthier than before and bright, her gray eyes sparkling.
Nicola had never thought to have this again.
Whos here? Because, whoever he is, I like his voice. Very rough, very intense, Laila said, rubbing the sleep from her eyes before wiggling her brows. Very hubba hubba.
Just how much should she tell her? Nicola wondered. How much could Laila take right now, when she had believed nothing else Nicola had said on the matter?
Did the answers really matter? If Koldo was going to teach Laila how to survive, and he was, the two would have to come to an arrangement.
Nicola drew in a deep breath. What do you know about angels and demons? she asked.
* * *
KOLDO FLASHED TO the cave where hed stashed his mother, remaining on the outskirts of the door to the cavern. He listened. Along with a drip and flow of water, he could hear Cornelia muttering about how much she hated him.
rotten to the core, just like his father. Lives only to make me suffer.
He ground his teeth together. How could she see him that way? Not nowshe had every reason nowbut before, when hed been such an innocent little boy, so desperate for her affection. After all these centuries, hed still never figured it out.
Hed made the mistake of asking her only once.
Everything about you disgusts me! Youre evil. An abomination. But you know that already. Ive told you.
A thousand times or more. But Im innocent. Blood of your blood.
You carry my shame, nothing more.
His hands curled into fists. What would Nicola think of him now, standing here as a woman suffered at his hands? Nicola, who had enjoyed touching him. Nicola, who had looked at him as if he were worthy. Nicola, who had kissed him with such passion and asked for more.
Hed had her in his arms. Hed had her body pressed against his and her scent in his nose. Hed felt the thunderous pound of her heartbeat. Need had created a wild tempest inside him, undeniable, nearly uncontrollable.
His hands had begun to burn just as fiercely as his blood, as if coming to life for the first time. Rather than sinking into a pit of despairbloodstained hands on a woman who deserved betterhed reveled in the knowledge. Sent Ones produced essentia, a fine powder that waited underneath the surface of their skin. Koldos had never broken free.
Soon, that would change. If he continued along this path, it would soon seep through his pores, leaving a bright glow on whatever he wished, a gold only those in the spirit realm would be able to see. It would be a warning to demons. Touch whats mine, and suffer.
Had her sister not interrupted...
Well, he wouldnt think about that now. He flashed to Nicolas home, landing in the backyard. His mother had enough food and water to last a week. He wouldnt abandon her that long, but he would give her another few days to herself. How many times had she left him in the palace, taking the servants with her? Countless. At six years old, hed had to hunt and kill his own food to survive. She deserved this abandonment and more.
And he wouldnt feel guilty for the way he was treating her. He wouldnt!
He searched the yard for any sign of thieveseither human or demonand thankfully found none. As he walked past the bedroom window, a crack in the curtains allowed him a peek inside. He paused.
Nicola and Laila were sitting on the bed. Both females had their hair wound into a thick bun, and green goop covering their faces. They were talking and laughing and painting each others toenails. They paused every few minutes to pick up a pillow and smack each other.
The males hed overhead throughout the years had been right, then. Every time two human females got together, they had a pillow fight.
Such a circumstance had never before intrigued him. Now his attention remained riveted on Nicola. She was as relaxed and happy as he needed her to be. And she was utterly enchanting. The storm had settled in her eyes, leaving a bright morning light. A perfect, cloudless sky.
Hed held her tiny waist in his hands. Hed come close to fisting her hair. To taking everything she was willing to give. Perhaps he would one day. How would she react, though? As eagerly as she had tonight? Or would a little time and thought convince her of the truththat she deserved someone better?
The rattle of a snakes tail reverberated behind him, claiming his attention. A sulfur-scented waft of smoke filled his nose.
Dread pricked at Koldo as he spun and drew a sword of fire. Two serp demons had closed in on him, one at the left, one at the right, and sank their fangs into his thighs. In less than a blink, an undiluted surge of venom shot through his system, valiantly attempting to weaken him.
Youll have to do better than that.
He released his sword, causing the weapon to disappear, and latched on to the creatures.
Your father sssaysss hello, one hissed.
And goodbye, the other laughed.
Koldo tied the two together and tossed them to the ground. They were long and thick, like snakes, with gnarled antlers growing from their heads, glowing red eyes and fur interspaced throughout their scales. There wasnt a more hideous creature. Their bodies writhed as they fought to escape each otherand thereby him.
Too late. He reclaimed his sword long enough to slice, slice, removing both of their heads. Then he stood there, dumbfounded.
His father had said hello?
His father had said goodbye?
Serp demons were his fathers allies, yes, but Nox couldnt have ordered an attack. He was dead. Koldo was sure of it.
They had to have lied. Demons always lied. Perhaps theyd hoped to distract him. Because...why? They had friends nearby?
And sure enough, they did. As he straightened, two other serps flew from the shadows. The two were followed by another. And another. And another. Each converged on him.
The creatures had been following him, he realized. They had known where he would come, had left no tracks and had waited for the perfect moment to act.
Koldo grabbed as many writhing bodies as possible and tossed them into the grass. Once, twice, three times. Yet all the while still more came at him, biting him, shooting more venom inside him.
He formed the sword of fire. Hisses erupted at the first flare of light, and the vile creatures backed away from him. He stepped forward, prepared to give chase...only to stop. His knees collapsed, his legs no longer able to support his weight. He watched, horrified, as the demons slithered toward the house.
They would attack Nicola and her sister, and the girls, weak as they were, would crumble.
Cant let that happen. Koldo summoned every ounce of his strength and labored to his feet. Hed never used his ability to send his thoughts into the mind of one of his fellow soldiers. He hated the idea of mental contact, a link, someone able to breach the barriers in his mind, as Zacharel often did, and perhaps read his innermost musings. But, to protect Nicola...
Need...help, he projected to a specific warrior.
He expected a thousand questions. Instead, the reply was simple. Where are you?
He rattled off Nicolas address, even as he struck out, flaming two demons to ash. Others crawled up the bricks, some branching left, some branching right, others going straight up. Koldo flashed one way, then the other, then to the roof, always striking out with his weapon.
Whoohooo! a familiar voice suddenly exclaimed. Daddys here, and its spanking time.
Axel landed in the front yard, his wings snapping against his back. He ran forward, drew his sword of fire and hacked, hacked, hacked at the enemy. Demons darted away from him, but he followed, spinning and striking, not allowing a single enemy to escape. He moved up, he moved down, he moved all around...all around... The world was spinning, spinning, spinning so quickly, Koldo thought. Faster and faster.
Panting, weakening still, he flashed to just behind Axel and fell to his knees. He would guard the warriors back.
Dude! I thought you needed help scoring a chick, Axel said, patting him on the shoulder and nearly drilling him neck-deep into the grass. I think that was the last of em but Ill do a double check around the perimeter.
Or just wait here. He ached terribly.
He heard footsteps. Whistling.
Hours later, or perhaps minutes, Axel returned and loomed over his prone formI must have tumbled the rest of the way to the groundhis electric blues glowing with a strange, otherworldly light. You stalking Chesticles or something? Cause, dude, this is totally her house.
No, and dont call her that. His throat was swelling, and he could barely force out the words.
My bad. I didnt realize youd staked an official claim.
She was his charge, but had he staked a claim, even though he had yet to cover her with essentia? Maybe. He despised the idea of another male thinking about her, looking at her, or touching her.
Thank you. For coming, I mean.
No problem. I was just doing someone unimportant.
Someone. Nice.
Sadly, that was the last thought Koldo had before his mind went blank.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
YOUR UGLY FACE disgusts me, his mother shouted.
You hesitated over a kill today, his father growled. You must be punished.
Love me. Why cant you love me?
I wish you had never been born! His mother.
Ill make you regret the day you were born. His father.
Be proud of me. I just want you to be proud of me. For once.
Youre not a Sent One. You dont deserve to breathe the same air as me. Again, his mother.
Ill make a soldier of you yet. Again, his father.
Please...please...
Koldo came awake gradually, his head a heavy block, his muscles sore and knotted. When full light at last dawned, he blinked rapidly, then gazed around. A barren cave with jagged, bloodstained walls greeted him. The air was cold, the warmth of his breath creating a thick haze in front of his face. He lay upon a stone dais, no blanket beneath him.
This wasnt one of his homes, he thought, jerking upright. Dizziness struck him, but he pushed through it, inhaling, exhaling.
Easy now, he heard Axel say.
Axel. Familiar. He relaxed, but only slightly, his attention cutting through the gloom and finding the warrior crouched in the corner, razing a stone against a short, broad stick to create dangerous spikes at the ends.
Where am I? he asked.
Eyes of crystal blue flicked up and stayed on him for only a second before returning to the weapon. Only the best place evermy place. I carried you here. And by the way, youll be getting the bill for my new back brace. Anyone ever tell you that you weigh, like, ten thousand pounds?
How long? he croaked.
The bills only one, maybe eight, pages long, you have my word. The good doctor said
No. How long have I been here?
Oh. Three days.
Three days? Nicola had been on her own for three days. After hed promised to spend at least an hour a day with her. But now he could spend far more than an hour, couldnt he? Zacharel had placed her in Koldos constant care.
He might have failed her on day one.
He threw his legs over the side of the dais, and despite the return of the dizziness, stood. He waited until his vision cleared, then looked down at himself. He wore a long white robe, the material as clean as he was. In fact, he was as clean as if hed just taken a couple hundred showers.
Dont worry, Axel said, holding out the stick, closing one eye and zeroing in on one of the ends of the weapon. I checked on your girl. Shes fine. And I mean that in every sense of the word.
He left that last part alone. The serps stayed away from her?
Of course. They were too dead to move. But she does have two minions hanging around.
Two minions were hanging around Nicola? Had Lefty and Righty returned? If so, they would have to be dealt withpermanently. And the other girl? The blonde?
Wait. Frowning, Axel set the weapon aside and peered over at him. You mean the redhead is yours?
Yes. Why? Did something happen? Did she see you? Want him?
Rage blossomed...
Uh, no. Nope. Not at all. Shes fine, too.
...receded. Youre sure? he asked, watching for any sign of a lie. The smacking of his lips. The wrinkling of his nose. A deeper frown. Axel displayed none of those.
I am. Easily stated. Expression relaxed.
Very well. The demons were hanging around Laila, then, and hed already known that. Thank you, he said, only slightly grudging.
Ill be collecting, dont worry.
Koldo would have said the same, and couldnt blame him. Collect from me. Not her. Hed promised to pay her bills, not to add to her tab.
Axel rolled his eyes. As if there was ever any doubt. Shes got nothing I want. He wiped his hands on the towel draped over his thigh before digging a piece of melon out of the bowl beside him. Here. Eat.
Koldo caught the fruit and bit into the juicy center. Sweet flavors exploded on his tongue, and his body purred gratefully. Sent Ones could die in a number of ways, and starvation was a big one.
Thank the Most High, Koldo had had the foresight to stock Nicolas cabinets before leaving her. She had been well fed during his absence. And thank the Most High forevermore, Axel had been willing to see to her defense.
But Koldo wanted to do more than rely on another Sent One for such a thing. If anything like this ever happened againnot that it would, Koldo never made the same mistake twiceAxel might be too busy to check on Nicola. He might lose interest, or decide Koldo had nothing of value to offer in trade.