The Darkest Pleasure
"I MISS YOU SO MUCH, angel."
A long while passed, but there was no response.
Reyes lay on top of his bed. He had been there for hours, perhaps an entire day. He'd lost track of time. Over and over, he'd attempted to connect with Danika on the mental plane. She was up there, in heaven. She was a portal, and she'd propelled him there twice. It was reasonable to think she could do so again. The problem was that this time there could be no penetration to pave the way. Reyes could only hope their joinings had forged an emotional and spiritual bond strong enough to substitute for a physical coupling.
"I'm lost without you."
We're lost, the demon piped up.
"We're lost without you. Your family wants you back as desperately as I do. I've come to love them, for they helped shape you into the woman you are. One with such strength and courage."
Still nothing.
"Do you carry our child, Danika? If not, I want nothing more than to give you my baby, watch your belly grow."
Clearly, impending motherhood wasn't the key, either. He swallowed. "Danika," he growled. "Talk to me. Now. I'm angry, Danika." Not with you, never you. But he continued darkly, "Soon I'll be forced to cut myself. I'll bleed. And you won't be here to patch me up and make me feel better. I - "
Reyes?
Reyes blinked open his eyes. That had been Danika's voice, whispering through his mind. It had worked. It had really worked! Sweat beaded all over his skin, relief and joy spearing him. Pain lit up inside his mind like a demonic Christmas tree. "Danika? Talk to me again."
Oh, my God. Is that you? Really you? I've dreamed of you and prayed for you and begged for you.
"I'm here, I'm here." Tears burned in his eyes, scalding his irises. "I need you to pull me to you, angel."
How? The word rushed from her, as desperate as he felt.
"Picture me in your mind. Picture your hands reaching for me, wrapping around me. You can do it. I know you can." This has to work. Please let this work. "You're a portal. You can - "
Something cold pushed inside him. Ice crystallized in his veins, but he didn't move. Pain was grasping for her, but couldn't seem to latch on. "I can feel you."
And I you, but...
The sound of her frustration echoed in his mind. "What's wrong, angel?"
I can't get to your spirit. I'm grasping air, nothing but air.
"Grab hold of my physical body, then." He didn't even have to finish the sentence before fingers, ghostly but firm, clutched his arms - just as cold, but solid - and jerked so powerfully he was lifted off the bed and through the ceiling. The plaster cracked and gave way, falling beneath him like rain.
He slammed into another ceiling, thought he saw Maddox rolling from his bed and reaching for a blade, a naked Ashlyn gasping. Reyes was unable to hold back a grimace.
Stop? Danika asked, his journey already slowing.
"No, no! Keep going, angel. Keep pulling. No matter what sounds I make, keeping tugging me to you."
He broke through the roof and was suddenly surrounded by night sky. Stars whizzed past him like blasts of lightning. He was weightless...soaring...then clouds engulfed him, zooming past, brushing his skin and leaving a moist sheen.
The moon seemed to grow bigger, more golden, so close he thought he could see a crater. And then, suddenly, he broke through some sort of invisible shield, the air around him warming, turning from black to shining azure in a heartbeat. The clouds became clusters of diamonds and Reyes could see golden columns flanking a winding emerald road.
His breath caught in his throat. Heaven, he realized. He was actually in heaven, albeit as a man rather than a spirit.
Angels ascended in every direction, their wings gliding prettily. Several looked at him and gasped. Others frowned and hurried away. To warn someone? Who? Angels didn't answer to either the Titans or the Greeks. That much Reyes had learned from Danika's paintings. Reyes hadn't found a depiction of who they did answer to, though. He would have liked to have spoken to the...man? Woman? Would have requested the use of the heavenly army. Maybe one day...
He broke through another invisible wall, and then, finally, he was there, hovering beside Danika's dais. His knees gave out, and he crumpled beside her, one hand already in her hair, the other cupping her jaw. Her sunny hair was spread around her. Her skin was tinted slightly blue from the cold. She was draped in white like a winter queen. His queen.
"Gods, I missed you." How he had longed for this day, this moment. "I will never let you go again."
Reyes! You're really here. I can feel you. Feel your warmth.
"Cold, angel?"
Very.
"Let me warm you." He snuggled next to her, wrapping her body with his own and soaking up her chill. "I love you so much."
I love you, too. I want to see you, but I can't break free of this...sleep. I can't jolt my body awake.
He placed a soft kiss on her lips, inhaling her sweetness. Part of him had despaired of ever doing this again. Ever holding her, breathing her in. "Do you know where Cronus is?"
Oh, yes. I always know somehow. He's with his counsel.
"Can you hear what they're discussing?"
I already know. It's what they always discuss. What to do about you. What to do about me. Where to look for his other artifacts.
"Can you bring him to us?"
Maybe. But why? I hate him. I hate dealing with him.
"Which makes me sorry to ask you to do so, but I am. Trust me, angel. Please." He pressed another kiss against her lips, then along her jaw. "You are able to control a physical form with your mind. When Cronus arrives, wrap your mind around him and hold him as still as you can. We will not have long. He possesses a key inside his body that allows him to break free of any prison."
A pause. Then, All right. I'll try.
"If you can and if he has it, pry his scythe out of his hands. And know that whatever happens, I love you." If they failed in this, Reyes knew Cronus would kill him. This was a direct challenge and no king would take it lightly or without issuing severe punishment.
"I've got him." A moment passed. Another. Danika's small body stiffened underneath his hands. He's angry. He doesn't have a scythe; he gave that to Chaos, who he put in charge of the Underworld when he imprisoned Hades, in exchange for a human soul. A female. Hunter. I think. He has Zeus's lightning bolt.
"Keep a firm grip on the bolt, angel. Take it from him if you can."
He's almost here. Just a few seconds more...
Cronus stopped abruptly at the end of the dais. When he spotted Reyes, he growled low in his throat. Sparks exploded in his irises as the golden bolt was ripped from his grip and tossed aside.
From this moment on, Reyes knew every word out of his mouth, every emotion that colored his features, was critical. Everything counted. Forcing a casualness he didn't feel, he eased to one of his elbows. "So nice of you to join us."
The god king's body shook, as if he were attempting to move. He had no luck. His arms stayed glued to his sides, his legs to the floor. "You will die for this, warrior."
Slowly, Reyes kicked his legs over the dais and stood. "You're probably wondering what's going on."
"I possess the All-key, demon. It destroys any shackle, opens any lock. You will not be able to hold me long."
"I know." His heart pounded like a war drum, but he smiled. "But you are not chained. You are simply being...momentarily embraced."
The sound of teeth gnashing together echoed between them.
"You told me to summon you when I could prove my strength." He paused, expression pointed. "Cronus, I summon you."
"Do you think I will help you after this?" The king uttered a cruel laugh. "You are very foolish, Pain."
How are you doing? he projected to Danika.
I'm not sure how much longer I can hold him. He's very strong.
Fighting a rush of urgency, he walked to Cronus, stride unhurried. Expression still pointed. "You will free Danika and return her to earth. To me. Together, she and I will destroy any foe who thinks to take or use her."
"You - "
Reyes cut him off. "In return, if she agrees, she will tell you of her dreams and the things she sees."
"She will do that anyway," Cronus snarled.
"Has she so far?" Reyes tried not to panic. "If you feel she is in danger, protect her. But do it from here, while she is with me." He strode around Cronus, slid a dagger from the holder at his wrist, and placed the blade at the god's neck. The pulse fluttered wildly. "I could take your head, like in the painting. There is nothing you can do about it - but die."
Utter stillness came over them. Such stillness Reyes could not even form the will to breathe. He waited...waited...
"I commend you, warrior," Cronus said. "You have proven your strength." It was more than a statement, it was a promise, a vow. A treaty between them.
At least, Reyes prayed it was so.
A moment later, Cronus splayed his fingers. His bolt flew back into his hand, his eyes narrowing as he stepped toward Reyes. Part of Reyes expected him to attack. But he never did.
Suddenly Danika gasped out a breath and jerked upright. He turned his attention from the god king to his woman. She was blinking open her eyes, as if the light hurt them. When she saw him, she gasped again. "You're real."
Her arms wound around his neck, his arms snaked around her waist and they embraced with shattering joy.
"You did it!" She laughed.
"We did it. Angel, I never want to be parted from you again."
"Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere."
"My life is one of war, as you once reminded me. Can you live with that?" He pulled back, watery gaze locked with hers. He would leave the Lords if necessary, find a peaceful place to live, untainted by Hunters or vengeful gods.
"Are you kidding? War-happy older brothers are on my Christmas list. And hey. Demons - and I don't mean you! - now apparently want me as their pet. Not to mention that gods and Hunters are watching my every move. I'm a popular girl. Can you live with that?"
His lips lifted in a smile. "For you, anything."
She returned the smile with one of her own. "Good."
"You and me. Now. Always."
"Save this touching reunion for later. What did you see in that painting?" Cronus asked, drawing their attention. "Who tried to take my head?"
Not tried to. Did. Reyes closed his eyes, gathered his strength. He'd hoped to avoid this topic for a while longer. Danika buried her head in the hollow of his neck, and he drew strength from her. "Do not strike at us in anger. Please."
"You have my word," the god replied impatiently. "Now tell me who took my head."
"A decapitation?" Danika's arms tightened around Reyes. "I remember that painting. It was my only decapitation. And the culprit was the one they call Galen. Hope."
Again, the patient stillness of a predator came over Cronus. The silence was so thick and heavy not even the flap of an angel's wing dared break it. "A demon. One of you," he growled to Reyes.
"Our enemy, as well, I hasten to add."
A long pause, finally a nod. "I wish to see it for myself." The god's gaze shifted to Danika. "I have given you back to your man. All I ask in return is that you come to me if ever you learn of a threat against me."
She nodded. "As long as I'm with Reyes, I'll tell you anything you want to know."
"Warning received." Though the god had paled, his lips curled into the semblance of a real smile. "I'll have to ensure you live forever and that you are never parted from the warrior. Won't I?"
"REYES! REYES! You won't believe it." Danika rushed into Reyes's bedroom - no, their bedroom now - and stopped at the edge of the bed.
Reyes was lying on his back, totally naked, the covers kicked away from him. His lids were at half-mast in that sexy way of his she so adored. His dark hair was rumpled, his lips soft and red from her latest biting. Just then - hell, as always - he was the epitome of satisfaction.
Never had she been happier.
So many things had happened in the last few weeks. Aeron had come to her, head bowed, sorrow in his eyes and apologized for the pain and worry he'd caused her. She'd forgiven him without hesitation. His bloodlust had brought Reyes in her life, and Reyes was the best thing that had ever happened to her, so there was no way she could hold a grudge.
She even liked Legion. The little fiend had moved in and was Aeron's constant companion, helping to draw him out of the dark emotional mire he still seemed stuck in. One was not seen without the other.
When Reyes had told her Legion was a girl, well, Danika had to admit she'd been surprised. But now she could see the possessive gleam in the demon's eyes whenever Aeron was nearby, and could only smile. If Aeron ever fell in love with another woman, Legion would probably eat the poor girl.
And Paris, sweet Paris. Like many of the others, he spent most of his time traveling between Buda and Rome, where he continued searching for clues to the remaining artifacts. But he was quiet now, never played his games or watched his movies. Danika hated seeing him like that and had tried to tell him that whatever the problem, everything would work out. He'd hugged her and left the room.
On the other hand, two people who seemed to be in great spirits were Torin and Cameo. They'd become best buddies and were always closeted away together. Or, when out and about, whispering and laughing. Not that they could whisper quietly. They had to remain a good distance away from each other to prevent Torin from infecting her with his disease, so their whispers were actually normal conversation, but it was clear that in their minds, they were the only people in the room. Danika wasn't sure if a romance was brewing, but liked the thought. Both of them deserved happiness in their lives.
Another happy camper was William - which made Anya happy, which in turn made Lucien happy. William had moved in indefinitely and liked to flirt with Ginger, who pretended indifference but blushed every time he neared her. Neither was serious about the other, Danika could tell, but it was nice to see them so at ease.
Danika's family was only staying another week before heading home. She knew they'd stayed this long because they didn't trust Aeron and had wanted to watch her back, just in case. No wonder she loved them! She would miss them terribly, visit often, but her life was here now, with Reyes.
Gilly, her young friend from L.A., had moved into the fortress, too. Danika had made sure of it. She and Reyes had placed her in the bedroom next to theirs, hoping to ease her transition from normal life to life among demons. The men seemed to like her, treating her as they would a kid sister even as they continued to complain about the upheaval in their once orderly lives. Gilly was leery, but Danika knew firsthand that would ease in time.
Ashlyn had taken the girl under her wing, a fierce protector not even the warriors would challenge. Danika loved her all the more for it. The woman was going to make an amazing mother, whether she had a boy, a girl, a demon, or a half human, half demon. A chuckle escaped her. Maybe one day Danika would face the same dilemma. She liked to tease Ashlyn about making Legion the child's nanny. That always made Maddox look ready to vomit, which always made Ashlyn laugh.
As for Danika and Reyes, they had spent most of the past few weeks in bed together, loving each other to utter contented pleasure. She hadn't smiled like this since, well, ever. Morning, noon and night, this man loved to rock her world. Sometimes it was sweet and gentle, other times it was wild and naughty.
No matter how he took her, she loved it. She just loved him!
She still had nightmares, but she didn't fear them any longer. She actually welcomed them. Reyes always held her afterward, something she looked forward to every time she opened her eyes.
In return, she liked to think she comforted him, too. His need for physical pain had returned somewhat, so he had to cut himself a few times a day - sometimes, she even helped. But less and less would he get that crazed look in his eye when she came at him with a weapon, and instead would sit back and simply enjoy. The amazing thing, however, was that he didn't have to be cut during their lovemaking. Then, the demon was transported to another plane, just as she'd suspected.
"Come back to bed, angel, and I will believe anything you tell me." Even as he spoke, his penis lengthened and hardened. He reminded her of the secret painting she'd done of him when he'd first asked her to paint her visions - the one now hanging over their bed. "I expect your family to burst inside at any moment. Ever since your grandmother had the casts taken off, she's been dogging your every step, wanting to help you with your paintings. Let's not waste any of this time together."
Her mouth watered at the sight of him - would she ever get enough of him? - but she clutched his shoulders and shook him. "Come see, come see, come see."
Catching her urgency, he jerked upright. Though she hadn't seen him reach for one, a dagger was in his hand. "Is something wrong? Has something happened?"
"Nothing's wrong. You just have to see this."
He pushed to his feet, still unabashed by his nakedness. She grabbed his free hand and tugged him into the studio. As always, his touch filled her with warmth.
"Did you have a nightmare, angel?"
"Kind of."
They passed the threshold, a bright canvas coming into view. She stopped in front of it and Reyes moved behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. His erection pressed between the curves of her ass, and she smiled.
God, she loved this man. If only she hadn't pulled on a pair of jeans when she'd gotten out of bed to paint.
"Pretty," he said, leaning down and propping his chin on her shoulder.
She could feel his heart beating against her back, steady and sure. She rubbed her hands up and down his arms, unsure how he would take what she was about to tell him. "Look closely. I, uh, think I found the third artifact."
"What?" He spun her around, expression shocked.
"Look at the bottom of the pyramid. See those men?"
His gaze moved around her and latched on to the canvas. "Yes. Galen and Stefano."
She studied it, too. The pyramids of Egypt stared back at her, humans marching inside them. "In my dream, they were walking the corridors of this particular pyramid and muttering about a cloak of invisibility. They kept saying that when they had it, they were going to use it to sneak inside the fortress undetected."
Reyes gathered her close and kissed the top of her head. "You are brilliant. We must tell Lucien."
"Uh, you must dress first."
He laughed, and the sound warmed her as surely as his touch. "I love you, angel."
"I love you, too."
"I have a feeling we will soon be traveling to Egypt. Can you handle another adventure?"
"I can handle anything as long as I'm with you."
He leaned down and kissed her, a tender brush of lips. "How did I ever live without you?"
"You didn't," she quipped. "Not really."
He kissed her again, lingering this time. "No, I didn't. Until you, I was dead inside. You've given me everything. Love, life, happiness."
"Just like you've given me. Who would have thought it, you know? You, me and that sweet little demon." Slowly she grinned. She just couldn't help herself, she was so blessed. "We're a m¨¦nage of bliss."
"Now and always," he said.
"Now and always."