Fallen Kings

16

“We’re making great progress toward using it,” the leader continues. “It should only be a matter of days before we can begin our noble work. As soon as certain things fall into place, we will notify each of you with further instructions.”

They cheer again, and a chill runs down my spine. A matter of days? How is that possible? Unless they’ve got an Archdemon under their control, there’s no way they can use the Staff. What do they know that we don’t?

“We have a large batch of initiates this year, with the hopes of bolstering our numbers,” the leader continues. “Please note we must remain diligent with the half-demon on campus. It is the duty of each member of this group to make sure she doesn’t interfere with our glorious mission. You will receive instructions if it comes time to intercede and subdue her. Remember, she is not to be harmed.”

Intercede and subdue me? I do not like the sound of that. Maybe the guys have a reason to be so overprotective of me. Then again, I bet I could handle most of the people here. My succubus powers are pretty good at bringing both men and women to their knees, I just prefer not to use them unless I absolutely have to.

The masked faces murmur amongst themselves, but I can’t make out individual conversations. Then a door opens, and I lean forward through the window to get a better view as the white robed initiates walk into the attic. The leader wasn’t lying—there are a ton of them. It makes me sick seeing how many people have been invited to join their ranks, although I wonder how many of them will make it past all three trials. Do they all hate demons? Or are they just here because they’re curious? Or because their family members told them to do it?

I sit through the rest of the meeting while the leader gives his normal speech and the same task to the initiates of stealing something from a professor. I wonder if any of them would dare steal from Bastien, or if everyone is too intimidated by him.

As the meeting ends, I launch into the air and fly away before anyone discovers me. In the morning I’ll have to tell the others what I learned. Not just about their new location and leader, but how they believe they’re almost ready to use the Staff.

Which means we’re running out of time to find it.

Chapter Eleven

Marcus

A

s I move around the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on dinner, a knock on the door makes my heart soar. Today is one of the two days a month Olivia gets to escape Seraphim Academy under Uriel’s new rules, and I invited her over tonight to the house I share with Callan here in Angel Peak. I knew Callan would likely be here too, but it can’t be helped. Besides, the two of them need to get over their issues already. If Callan apologized and quit being such an i***t, everyone could relax.

I hear Callan let Olivia in the door and her icy voice as she asks, “What are you doing here?”

“I live here too, you know,” he replies.

“I hoped you’d be gone tonight. I see enough of you at Combat Training, after all.”

I quickly hurry over before they start fighting again and slide an arm around Liv’s waist to pull her against me. “Hey, gorgeous. Is that a new dress? You should warn a man before you show up wearing something like that.”

She flushes and smiles at me, and for a second she’s forgotten how much she hates Callan. Mission accomplished. “Yes, I went shopping with the girls earlier today and got a few new things. I’m glad you like it.”

“I love it.” I bring her in close and nibble on her ear. “I’ll love it even more when I’m yanking it off you later tonight.”

Callan rolls his eyes and crosses his arms, but he doesn’t leave. It’s his house too, but the dude could give us some privacy at least. Why torture himself by watching us together when he can’t have her?

“Come on.” I take Liv’s hand and lead her into the kitchen. “Dinner is ready.”

“You cooked?” She looks so shocked I don’t know if I should laugh or be offended.

I wink at her. “Don’t sound so surprised. I’m a man of many talents.”

She follows me into the large, modern kitchen with gleaming white cabinets, brand new appliances, and smooth quartz counters. Only the best for Callan, of course. Not that I’m complaining.

When Callan follows us, Olivia turns and gives him a hard look. “I thought we were eating alone.”

“It’s fine,” I say quickly. “I made enough for all three of us.”

“Next time we should go somewhere else,” Liv mutters.

I sigh, starting to get frustrated with both of them. “I wanted to cook for you tonight. I made chicken enchiladas from an old family recipe.”

She gives me an apologetic smile. “I’m sure it will be delicious. I just wish we had some privacy.”

“Fine, I can take a hint,” Callan snaps. “I’ll leave you two to your little date. But you might as well accept that I’m not going anywhere, Liv. You’re sleeping with two of my best friends, and my other best friend is your brother. We’re all searching for the same thing. And you’re in my house.” “I accept that I can’t seem to get rid of you, no matter how much I try,” she snarls back. “And have you accepted that three guys isn’t going to cut it?” He steps toward her so they’re right in each other’s faces. I don’t need to be an incubus to see the hate-lust coming off them. “You need me, or you need to find someone else. Otherwise you’re going to hurt Marcus and Bastien again. I won’t let that happen.”