Veiled In Darkness Read online

  She released her hold on the demons, certain they would no longer try and kill her, and then looked at Michael. “Happy now?”

  “For the moment.”

  A thunderous blast woke Eli from his slumber. He’d decided to check out his home in Heaven and while there had flopped on the couch. He’d meant to take a short nap. Give his body a chance to heal the wounds he’d gotten from the last demon skirmish, but apparently he was more tired than he realized. He rubbed his eyes and sat up to look out the window. Odd, it was dark out. Darkness never fell on Heaven.

  Jumping to his feet, he ran for the door.

  Tegan, what the hell’s going on?

  Sitori have invaded!

  What do you mean, they’ve invaded? How the hell did they get in?

  I don’t know, but get your ass out here.

  Eli flung open the door. Black smoke billowed from the fires that burned to the east. “What the hell?” he whispered. He saw Eva running toward him, her skin covered with soot.

  “Eli, oh my god, they destroyed my home. I barely escaped with my life.”

  “Where the hell is Seph?” Eli grabbed her arm and tucked her next to him as he produced his dagger.

  “He got called out to escort a soul. All the reapers were summoned. Again.” She grabbed Eli by the arm. “We have to get out of here, there’s no way to fight them.” He’d never seen Eva in such a panicked state, and it irked him to no end. Lucifer was getting on his last nerve.

  “You need to get to safety. I have to stay here and fight.” He summoned his wings, spread them wide, and readied for flight. However, he couldn’t leave Eva behind until he was sure she’d fled to safety. Another explosion rocked the ground. Eva let out a scream as she started to fall, but Eli grabbed her arm and stopped her descent.

  Tegan appeared next to them. “It’s not looking good. We’ve lost several men.”

  “Shit. How many?” he asked.

  “I’m not sure but last count at least fifty.”

  Eva covered her face, no doubt in an attempt to try and hide the sob that escaped. She spread her fingers to peek through. “Lyzander?”

  “Sorry, love. I’ve not seen him, and he’s not answering me,” Tegan responded.

  Eli didn’t want to think about it. “What do you suggest we do?”

  “I suggest we get the hell out of here. I’ve already ordered the others to flee. There’s nothing we can do here, so we have to save ourselves.”

  Eli ground his jaw. “So we’re just supposed to run away?”

  Tegan wiped the sweat from his brow. “We have to be smart and save our own asses because we’re not going to do anybody any good if we’re dead.”

  “He’s right, Eli.” Eva touched his arm.

  Eli looked to the horizon and witnessed a mass of black. He had to blink several times to be sure what he saw was real. The darkness moved closer, and as it did, he realized it was an army of Sitori. Their black armor moved silently across the heavens. If he’d been looking the other way, he would never have known they were descending down on him.

  “Holy shit!” He suddenly realized just how outnumbered they were. “I’m open for suggestions, where the hell should we go?”

  Tegan’s brows dipped into a frown. “My daughter, your mate, has run out of time. I don’t know if Lucifer is on to all of us, or if this is just a coincidence, but it’s time she makes a stand.”

  “Guys, we really need to get out of here.” Eva’s panicked voice broke through.

  “Fine. You guys get somewhere safe. I’ll see to Ashley.” He waited for Tegan and Eva to vanish before he left as well. His destination was straight to his mate. He hated like hell to break the news to her, but it didn’t look like there was much choice. From everything he’d learned about who Ashley really was, it seemed this was what fate had intended for her all along. He had to remind himself how powerful she really was. He just hoped she’d figured it out as well.

  13

  “Umm, what are they doing?” Ashley looked at Michael then back at the kneeling demons.

  He chuckled. “Well, it seems they regard you as their new mistress.”

  “Mistress?” Were they brain dead?

  “Seems they’ve discovered how powerful you can be.”

  Eli flashed in beside her before she could respond. “Lucifer’s damn army has destroyed Heaven.”

  “What?” Ashley and Michael yelled in unison. Even Wraith jumped to his feet and came to attention.

  “They’ve taken over, killed I don’t know how many, and those of us that survived fled.”

  “My god, are you okay?” Ashley touched him and ran her eyes over his chest, searching for any open wounds. There was no blood, so that was a good sign. “What of my father?”

  “He’s fine, but I’m not sure who we lost. I didn’t get a chance to ask.” Eli pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head. He kissed his way down to her ear. “How is it going here?” he whispered, and she was surprised at his calm demeanor as her heart pumped faster. Her gut told her what was coming.

  “I haven’t had much time, but maybe I can do recon work.” She looked up at him. “I could go up there and see what they’re doing. I doubt any of them would think twice about me being among them.”

  Eli’s brows pinched down, forming a scowl. “Won’t Lucifer know you’re gone?”

  “Most likely, but at this point does it really matter? I mean if my aunt is safe…” She searched his eyes. “Please tell me she wasn’t there.”

  “No. She’s still safe,” Eli reassured.

  She let out a breath. Those she loved most were safe. It was time to try and make the rest of the world the same way. Her great-grandfather was misbehaving, and it was time she brought balance back. Ashley shuddered. The thought of Lucifer being any kind of relation was still a shock. However, people always liked to say, “you can’t choose your family.” How true it was.

  “I don’t like this plan,” Eli stated. She hated seeing those lines of displeasure on his beautifully chiseled face, would much rather see pleasure, but this was bigger than both of them.

  “I know. Maybe you can stay connected to me, but you can’t go back there. It’s not safe.”

  “Exactly. It’s not safe, yet I’m supposed to allow my mate to walk into the lion’s den time after time?” he growled.

  “You’ve known this was coming. Why the sudden concern?”

  He cupped her chin. “It’s not sudden. I worry every second. I don’t sleep, and it’s all I can do to keep my mind on the battle when I’m fighting demons. I want to kill Lucifer and every single one of his damn minions for what they’ve done to you.” The blue in his eyes turned ice cold. “Don’t ever think for one minute I’m not concerned. My internal battle has been my own. I remind myself continually where your fate lies, and I curse Heaven and Hell for it.”

  He looked over at the spectators. She’d actually forgotten Michael and Wraith were still standing there, listening to every word. “You need to feed before you go. We’ll call on Sherease for some privacy.” He wrapped his wings around her and they disappeared. Seconds later, her grandmother’s shack came into view. The woman came out to greet them.

  “Ashley, Eli. I’ve heard terrible news. Have the Sitori really invaded Heaven?”

  “Yes, it’s true. I’ve seen much of the destruction myself,” Eli responded.

  Sherease fidgeted. “Oh, this is much worse than I thought. I didn’t expect him to stake his claim so soon.” She looked from Eli to Ashley. “Do you have a plan?”

  Ashley nodded. “Yes we do. May we come in?”

  “Yes. Yes, of course.” Sherease led them inside, doing a quick scan before closing the door. “Please, have a seat and tell me what your plans are.”

  Ashley didn’t see any sense beating around the bush. “I’m going up there to find out what they’re doing.”

  Sherease tapped her index finger on the table. “That’s an excellent idea. They won’t suspect you, and you migh
t be able to gather some good Intel.” She looked to Eli. “I gather you’re not thrilled with this?”

  Eli crossed his arms over his chest. “Of course I’m not fucking thrilled about it.” He let out a long sigh. “But I realize we don’t have much choice. We need to know what they’re up to.” He turned to look at Ashley, his brow furrowed. “Just don’t do anything stupid. Get in, gather what you need, and get out. Don’t confront them unless necessary, and even then don’t try anything.”

  “I promise I’ll behave.”

  Sherease smiled. “You are the great-granddaughter of the Maker and Lucifer. I wish there was more time to help you, to teach you what you need to know. I believe if you search deep inside yourself and trust in your ability, you’ll find it’s always been with you. Remember who you are and where you came from, and if ever you’re in doubt or feel lost, reach for your mate.” She nodded toward Eli. “He will always help you find your balance.” She pushed her chair back and stood up. “Time is of the essence, but you two need some time together. I will leave, the place is yours for as long as you need it.” She walked around the edge of the table, bent down, and kissed Ashley on the cheek. “You are the Angel of Death, I’ve no doubt you’ll succeed,” she whispered then swept out the door.

  Eli wasted no time in jumping to his feet. “You need to feed.” His cock stirred at the thought of her fangs sinking into his flesh. He decided right then and there, they had spent way too much time apart and had some unfinished business that needed to be taken care of before she left. The other shit would wait, this couldn’t. He held out his hand, and she placed her fingers in his palm then rose from her seat. She must have read his mind because she licked her pink lips then grinned.

  “I can think of other things I need as well.”

  “Don’t you worry, I plan to help you clear your head. I’m gonna make you come so hard you’ll not think about sex for at least a couple of days.” He pulled her close. His mouth found hers as he threaded his fingers into her hair and nibbled at her lips. The taste of wild strawberries burst across his tongue and nearly drove him insane. Heat started in the middle of his chest, raced down his abdomen, and shot straight to his balls, pulling them tight. He slipped his tongue in her mouth, tasted every inch of her, but he couldn’t get enough. He would never get enough of this woman.

  She moaned against his mouth, her tongue seeking his as she clutched at his T-shirt, trying to free it from his jeans. She was as aroused as he, which only made his cock twitch more. He broke free on a heavy breath.

  “You have too many clothes on.”

  Ashley’s pupils were dilated and her breaths came in heavy pants. “I could say the same for you.” She grabbed the hem of her tee and lifted, exposing the hard flesh of her stomach. “Let’s skip the formalities, strip then fuck.” She finished pulling the T-shirt over her head, leaving her with only a red lace bra, which barely covered her full, round breasts. A pair of black leather pants molded to her hips as if they were part of her.

  He lifted his brow. “I’m all game for watching you peel out of those pants.”

  The corner of her mouth twitched as she pushed her thumbs inside the waistband of the black leather. She slid her hands to the front, where fingers made light work of the button and zipper. Her hands slipped farther underneath supple leather, and he stifled a moan.

  “Dammit woman, you sure know how to tease a man.” Apparently, that was the wrong thing to say because it only encouraged her. Then again, maybe it was the right thing because she shoved her hand to her sweet spot, tipped back her head, closed her eyes, and moaned before she looked back at him with the devil in her eyes.

  Shit.

  He swore he saw dampness seep through the leather. He’d had about all he could take and gripped the collar of his T-shirt and ripped it in two, slinging it across the room. Next, he toed off his boots, unbuckled his belt, and had his jeans around his ankles before she could blink. He stepped out of them and his long cock, thick and hard, jutted out begging her to touch it. Her eyes widened, and she ran her tongue across her lips, causing another moan to get caught in his throat.

  Ashley dropped to her knees in front of him. “Oh I’m hungry, but it’s not for blood.” Before he could react, she wrapped her lips around the head of his cock and sucked him in. He reached for the back of a chair to keep his balance. The muscles in his thighs flexed and tightened as she tried to swallow him whole.

  He grabbed a fistful of her blonde hair. “Damn it to hell, woman, you keep that up and I won’t last another twenty seconds.” She must have taken that as a challenge because she sucked harder. Swirled her tongue as she moved up and down his shaft. There was no way in hell she wasn’t going to get a mouthful. The tingling started at the base of his cock as his balls pulled tighter and continued up to the tip. He squeezed the back of the chair, feeling the wood crack under his grip as he let loose a stream of semen. Sweat beaded on his forehead, as pulse after pulse of his come hit the back of her throat. She moaned around his cock and set him on fire again, another explosion bursting forth. As good as it felt, he forced her to stop. He needed to lay her back on the bed, spread her thighs, and give to her what she just gave to him.

  “Your turn,” he growled, his voice full of gravel. He pulled her to her feet, picked her up off the floor, and carried her to the bed. It was then he realized she still had on her leather pants, and a wicked idea came to him. Without hesitation, he spread her legs and brought his mouth down over her core, kissing her through the black leather.

  She moaned beneath him, grinding her hips against his lips. “Take them off,” she hissed. She tried to push the pants down; he wouldn’t allow it. He grabbed her hands and pinned them to the bed all while he nipped at her flesh through the leather. He felt her folds swell with need. He flattened his tongue against her center and lapped upward until he reached her clit. She struggled beneath his grip, her hips gyrating.

  “Now who’s the tease?”

  He leaned back and caught her gaze, flashing her a grin. “You want me to take these pants off, baby?”

  “Yes. Oh, yes please.” He sensed she was on the verge, hanging on that edge ready to tumble. He sat back farther, released the grip on her wrists, and grabbed her leather pants. With slow, deliberate motions, he peeled them down her hips, until he caught a glimpse of blonde curls. He bent down and placed a kiss on her pelvic bone.

  She moaned.

  He pulled the pants down farther until he revealed her glistening folds. He licked his lips, tasting the muskiness of her that had seeped through her pants. He couldn’t wait to dive in and get a real taste, so he pulled the pants down farther. Stopping at her ankles, he leaned down and swiped his tongue through her folds. Her hips bucked and she tried to spread her legs, but the leather acted like a form of bondage and inhibited her movements. He swirled his tongue around her nub, causing her to grab fistfuls of his hair as she tried to force herself closer. He continued his teasing tongue dance, swirling through her folds and across her entrance where he stopped, dipped his tongue slightly, and held it there.

  She growled, let go of his hair, and again tried to shove her pants the rest of the way off. Again, he grabbed her wrists and pinned her to the bed. He was having way too much fun to let her have her way. He was running this show.

  Eli dipped his tongue in farther, adding a slight twisting action, and her hips came off the bed. The scent of her arousal caused his cock to throb, and he needed to be buried deep inside her more than he needed to breathe. He pushed his tongue in farther and covered her core with his mouth. With quick thrusting motions, he fucked her with his tongue. She mewled as she rocked her hips against his mouth.

  “Oh god, I’m coming,” she screamed.

  Her orgasm coated his tongue as she convulsed around him. With a quick swipe, he made his way to her clit and latched on, sucking hard until he drew another from her. When she lay limp, her breathing heavy, he finally pulled free.

  “I told you I was going to make
you come hard.”

  “Holy hell.”

  He finished pulling her leather pants off and tossed them to the floor. Within seconds, he had his cock buried deep inside her heat. “I’m not done with you yet. I’m going to fuck you till you come again.” She wrapped her legs around his waist and met him thrust for thrust.

  “Lean closer,” she whispered.

  He did as she asked, taking a moment to suck her nipple through her satin bra. She laced her fingers through his hair and gave a tug.

  “Fuck me harder.” Then she pulled him closer and struck before he had time to think. Her fangs slid into his vein, and damn it felt good. The pull of his blood as it coursed through his veins went straight to his balls. With every mouthful she took, it brought him that much closer to the edge.

  “Baby, I’m not going to last much longer.” He slid his hand along her abdomen until he reached her clit. He brushed his thumb across it then gave a pinch. Her fangs retracted and she tipped her head back as she screamed out her orgasm. He followed right behind her. Riding the wave as it crested then plummeted, sending him into depths he had never known. His balls pulled tight, and his body shuddered; every muscle screamed as he gave her everything he had left.

  “I can’t wait until we can stay like this forever,” she moaned.

  “Me neither.” He kissed her neck before he reluctantly pulled himself free.

  14

  Ashley sent a reluctant Eli on his way to help save as many Nephilim as possible. Instinct told her Lucifer was about to pull out his entire bag of tricks. Once he learned the Nephilim were missing, along with her aunt Viv, he’d stop at nothing to complete his task. Whatever the hell that was.