Wicked Wings

23

Marcus casually whispers over his shoulder, “Overly cheerful, isn’t he?” He gives me a quick grin and then turns around again. If Raziel notices or hears him, he doesn’t react. I bet the Princes get away with all sorts of things in class.

“This year were going to learn all about the various kinds of demons, because just like angels there are many types. In fact there are seven types, which align with the infamous Seven Deadly Sins. I’m sure you’ve all heard about those before, and you may have heard things about demons from your parents or from other angels you know, but in this class were going to try to stick to facts and not stereotypes or opinions. Some of what you’ve learned so far might be wrong, so I’d like you to keep an open mind. Demons are not our enemy anymore, not like they once were. Ever since the Earth Accords, we’ve been in an uneasy truce with them, and it’s important to learn about them so we can understand them better.”

“And so if they break the truce we can defeat them,” Blake, that douchebag who gave me my dorm key, says.

Raziel looks flustered, but he nods quickly. “Yes, yes, of course, we must be prepared to fight them should it come to that. As I was saying, we’re going to go over all the different types of demons, from imps to Fallen, and everything in between.”

“And succubi, right?” a guy sitting next to Blake asks.

My hair stands on the back of my neck and I worry maybe someone here knows something, but the guy who asked is just grinning and nudging Blake like he said something funny, and I realize it’s because he’s a horndog who just wants to talk about s*x demons.

“Yes, we will talk about the two different types of Lilim later this year.” Raziel lets out an exasperated sigh like he’s heard that question a dozen times before. “But first, let’s discuss how angels and demons are similar and different. Like angels, demons have limited immortality, meaning they don’t age after a certain point, but they can still be killed. They also have superior strength and speed, and heal faster than humans, just like we do. Another similarity? Due to their immortality, they found it difficult to have children in Hell, as we did in Heaven, but on Earth it is much easier for all of us to procreate. No one is entirely sure why, but it means ever since the Earth Accords there’s been a boom in both angel and demon populations.”

He continues on, but I tune him out, and find myself staring at the back of Marcus instead. The man is far too hot for his own good, and he knows it. You can tell from the way he smiles, like everything has come easily for him his entire life, and he just expects to be worshipped. He turns and gives me that lazy smile now and I scowl at him, even as my heart beats a little faster. Damn succubus blood.

I try to focus on what Raziel is saying, but it’s difficult. As Marcus runs a hand through his hair, I get a sexy whiff of sandalwood, and my hunger stirs. I bite my pen and concentrate harder on the class.

“Now, let’s discuss differences,” Raziel says. “Whereas angels get their powers at twenty-one, demons get their powers earlier, at eighteen.”

So far everything he’s said has been true. I can only hope his class will be fair and grounded and contain some actual knowledge. And hey, at least I should ace this course, right?

Assuming I don’t get too distracted by Marcus, anyway.

Chapter Fifteen

Olivia

N

ext on the schedule I have the class I’ve been dreading, Angelic History. It’s also in the main hall, but on the third floor, and it feels like I’m marching to my doom as I walk down the long hallway. I try to think of a way to get out of taking this course, but if I reveal that I’ve been well-versed in both angelic and demonic history, I’ll ruin my cover and expose what I am. I have to keep up my clueless half-human act, and that means I need this class.

Professor Kassiel is already inside, sitting at his corner desk with a book in his hand, but he doesn’t look up when I enter. I let out a relieved breath and stick to the far wall as I hurry to the back of the class, keeping my head down and trying to draw as little attention to myself as possible. I find a seat in the back behind a tall angel and slouch down in my chair. So far so good. Now I just need to make it through the next few months without him noticing me.

Fat chance.

More First Year students file into the class, and I see a few familiar faces from my other classes, but no one I know by name. I’m sad Araceli is in a different Angelic Studies period, but not sad that Tanwen isn’t here.

When the clock strikes the hour, Kassiel rises from his desk and moves to the center of the room. He’s wearing another impeccable, perfectly tailored suit that obviously cost a fortune, and I can’t take my eyes off him.

“My name is Professor Kassiel and I’ll be teaching you Angelic History 101 this year. We’re going to be covering the basics, and while some of you might think you know this stuff, you might be surprised by what you learn once we get into the details.”

His voice is exactly as sensual as I remember with the lilting British accent, and it’s impossible not to stare at his striking green eyes. I’m not the only one who notices. The desire in the air is palpable, and I shift in my seat uncomfortably, suddenly starving—and not for food. I knew being a succubus at an angel school might be a problem, but I didn’t realize just how much until now. I bet the Lilim at Hellspawn Academy don’t have this issue.