Chapter 8: The witching hour

Lana:

I look at my bloody hands and tighten them into fists as fire crawls across my skin. But I don’t burn, which is strange. Laughter roars from my lips as I stroll through a dark forest and run my fiery hands across the trees and the grass, lighting everything up. With each stroke of my hand, the grass burns and the trees turn to ash.

It’s only when my sister, Bree, rushes toward me and the fire consumes her that screams of terror burst from my lips. That’s when I’m awakened from my nightmare.

Shooting up from the bed, I clutch the cover tightly to my chest and look around the room, worried that I’ll see my sister’s burning form. But I’m alone. Sweat glides down my neck, and my chest heaves with my exertions. This nightmare is worse than any of the others that I’ve been having lately. It felt so real. What bothered me most was the glee I felt when I began burning everything. That is until I saw my sister, and my glee turned to horror.

Seeing that I’m not getting any more sleep, I slip into my hiking boots and head outside. I should have probably put something over my white nightshirt, but my need to leave the small space is overwhelming. Our team leaders try to keep a bonfire going outside the tiny houses if we need to walk around, so I wrap a warm comforter around my shoulders and head to it. The area is mostly quiet at this time of the night. The only thing you can hear is the wind stirring, the river’s gurgling movements and the scuttling of night creatures. Setting in one of the benches, I look into the fire and flinch when I recall my nightmare from earlier.

It has been two nights since my heated encounter with Lucifer, and I’m still feeling unbalanced. After what occurred in the caves, I joined the rest of the team and reported a condensed version of what happened. As I recounted my adventure, snippets of what occurred began to surface inside of my mind. I remember the sounds in the darkness and the spider creatures. But what shocks me the most is how I suddenly was able to see in the dark and how I tore those creatures apart when they tried to attack me.

Of course, I didn’t share that information with my group. However, I did become annoyed when Kyle and Tony kept asking me questions until Jill interjected and told them to leave me alone.

Jill has turned out to be such a sweetheart. After my shower, she walked with me back to my tiny house, made me some hot tea and distracted me from my thoughts. I was still reeling over what Lucifer and I had done. My body was still aching, and my lips felt sensitive. I’m conflicted by the situation as a whole. Having him touch and kiss me the way he did felt so sinfully good. What I told him about not dating because of my mother’s condition was true. But to be truthful, I did try to go on a few dates after she passed. Most of the dates were sedate and ended with shy pecks on the cheek. They were nothing like the deep, consuming kisses Lucifer and I shared, and I never wanted them to be like that. No man has ever made me feel this deep connection the way Lucifer does. And that’s the crux of the matter because Lucifer is not even a man. What bothers me most is that I know he has been with other women. I mean, he’s thousands of years old, which screams experience, so why would he want me?

As I let the warmth of the fire warm my body, I think about the fractured images of what occurred in the cavern, and I realize that there’s a possibility that I might not be human either. My mind tries to shy away from the thought, but the more I try to avoid it, the more the truth takes root. There’s no other viable explanation for what I experienced. I was able to see in the dark and kill hellish creatures without a thought. It also doesn’t help that when I was washing my face before I went to bed, my eyes began to glow. Fear crawled down my spine as I inspected my glowing eyes. I wanted to call Bree at that moment but quickly rethought my plan. I mean, what would I tell her, “Hey, sis, I just noticed that my eyes are glowing. Do you think I might be a demon?”

Bree would freak out, and that’s the last thing that I need.

Another disturbing factor is the constant barrage of images popping up in my head since I arrived at the Canyon. At first, I thought they were strange dreams, but now that I’ve been experiencing odd things while awake, I suspect that those dreams might actually be memories. I raise my hand to my brow and try to settle my dark thoughts. Small flashes of moments assail me and make me feel nauseous. Most of the memories make no sense. In one, I’m speaking to a human-shaped light, and in another, I’m locked in a small room screaming incoherent words.

Taking a deep breath, I rub the chill that spreads across my arms. I feel so lost. I just don’t understand why this is happening.

“You shouldn’t be out here?” a deep male voice penetrates the Canyon’s natural calm. Looking up, I meet Lucifer’s wary eyes. He’s wearing a different outfit than he was earlier. The t-shirt he’s wearing shows his muscular arms and broad chest to perfection. I swallow a moan when I see that his black leather pants ride low on his hips and emphasize his strong thighs.

Using my loose hair as a curtain, I hide my grim expression and murmur. “What are you doing here, Lucifer?”

His predatory gate is mesmerizing as he moves forward and kneels before me. His dark eyes and hair blend with the night, but his pale face does not hide the weary expression on his face. Clinging tightly to the warm comforter wrapped around me, I look away and whisper, “You look tired. I imagine even angels need to sleep.”

He shakes his head and places his hands on my covered thighs. “I do not require much sleep. However, what you’re seeing is not exhaustion; it’s more like unrest.” He looks down at his hands as they caress the soft cotton material covering my thighs. “You haven’t answered my question, luv. Why are you out here so late at night?”

I release a frustrated sigh and shake my head. “I just can’t sleep.”

“Are you having nightmares?” he asks.

Biting my bottom lip, I glance back at him and shrug. “That and other things. Now it’s your turn to answer me. What are you doing here?”

The fire behind him makes shadows dance around his sculpted face and sinewy frame as he leans close and whispers. “I simply came to see if you were well after everything that happened.”

My brow furrows. “I don’t understand you, Lucifer. It’s not like I’m anyone important to you. If I thought about it, I’d say the only connection we share is that my sister is your son’s mate.”

His hands slide to my hips as he lifts me from my seat and mutters. “That’s not true, and you know it.”

“Do I know it?” I ask, “I mean, we’ve kissed before, but I’m sure you’ve done a lot more than that with other women and walked away without a second thought. So tell me, why should I think that I matter to you? Unless this is some kind of game you’re playing.” I retort angrily.

“I’m not playing games with you, Lana. You are important to me!” he replies.

“But why? And please don’t give me some bullshit answer. Tell me the truth!”

“Because I want you!” Jaw tight, Lucifer pulls me close and slams his lips against mine, making me instantly melt against him. Hey, don’t judge me; the male is an amazing kisser. Rising to my toes, I wrap my arms around his neck and let him devour me. My body grinds against his, and my hands wander up and down his broad chest. The comforter slips from my shoulders, but I don’t care. All I want is to feel his hands on me. Lucifer’s hands slide inside the hem of my nightshirt, caressing my naked things. “Let me pleasure you, luv.”

I kiss my way down his neck and nod. “Yes,”

Without a word, he lifts me up bridal style and carries me back to my cabin. Lucifer kicks the door shut and lowers me down his body until I am flush against him. My nipples swell, and my clit throbs at the contact. “Lucifer…” I murmur nervously. “…I’ve never… I’ve never done this before.”

Lucifer’s hands slide up my thighs as he nips my lips and chin. “I just want to taste you. I won’t go further—not yet.”

I don’t argue. Hell, I can barely think when he kisses his way down my neck and sucks hard on the tendon above my shoulder. Gasping with pleasure, I lift his shirt and nip his earlobe. “Take it off,” I murmur. Without a word, Lucifer pulls away and removes his shirt, revealing his broad chest, carved pectorals and contoured abs. Reaching up, I glide my hands up his velvety skin and explore his muscles. Goosebumps spread across his skin, and his eyes heat with desire. My heart stutters at the sight of his sinewy muscles moving beneath his flawless skin as he leans close. Watching intently, I let my eyes drop hungrily across his Adonis line and carved abs. “Do you like what you see?” he asks.

Nodding shyly, I gaze up at him from beneath the fringes of my eyes. Lucifer lifts a tendril of my freshly washed hair and gently strokes it between his elegant fingers. “I think it’s my turn now, luv. Take off your shift.”

Swallowing hard, I lower my hands and take a step back. The dim light casts a warm glow across the small space, making me feel less exposed as I lower my nightdress’s wide neckline and let it fall to my feet. Lucifer’s heated eyes slowly traverse down my naked frame. Surprisingly enough, I feel empowered when I see the hunger that he doesn’t try to hide. Thankfully, I’m religious about grooming, and my constant activity has honed my body, giving me curves and muscles in all of the right places. My legs are long, my small breasts are firm, and my ass is heart-shaped. I also make sure to keep my shaving routine consistent, so the only parts of my body with hair are my brows and my head.

I watch breathlessly as Lucifer raises his hand and runs his knuckles up my stomach and chest until he reaches my chin and angles my head up until we’re eye to eye. “You’re perfection personified.”

Biting my lower lip, I place my hand around his wrist and step into his arms until our bare chests are touching. My nipples bead as the heat of his skin against mine makes my body heat with desire. Once again, our lips meet, and our arms wrap around each other. Mewling with pleasure, I brush my nipples against his chest and suck on his tongue.

Lucifer’s corresponding growl as he deepens the kiss and leads me to the bed makes everything inside of me melt with bliss.

For a second, my body is floating until my back is touching the soft mattress, and Lucifer’s body drapes over mine. Small mewls and moans escape my lips as his tongue and lips kiss their way down my neck and reach my breasts. I slide my fingers through his silken hair and try not to cry out when his tongue flicks across the crown of my nipple and sucks it into his hot, warm mouth. My back arches and I tighten my hand around his scalp, encouraging him to do more. His fingers rub each bud as he swirls and licks each one, igniting a fire between my thighs.

I writhe and moan beneath him as he continues his unrelenting plunder of my body. Lucifer’s hungry moans heighten my pleasure as he kisses his way down my flat belly and reaches my wet folds. Looking up at me from the fringes of his dark lashes, he slides his fingers across my opening and rubs my throbbing nub until my eyes are rolling to the back of my head. “Oh, yes.” I hiss as his middle finger glides inside of my tight sheathe and strokes in and out.

“You like that?” he asks huskily.

But he doesn’t require an answer as he moves my leg over his shoulder and slithers his tongue inside my molten core. Crying out with bliss, I cling to my pillow and undulate my hips until I establish an ecstatic rhythm. I’m nearly breathless, and my thighs tremble when his velvety tongue swirls around my clit while his fingers move in and out of my slick heat. Waves of pleasure build in intensity inside of my belly. Lucifer’s breathing quickens as he heightens his strokes and hums as his ministrations pick up speed, making me shiver and twitch. I’m drowning in ecstasy as blissful waves of rapture erupt around me. My body shudders and shakes as my orgasm overwhelms all of my senses. Once the last contraction has waned, Lucifer rises above me and crushes his lips against mine. Clinging tightly to his neck, I savor my essence on his lips and move my hands down to his covered groin. The large bulge behind his leather pants is impressive.

Pulling back, I nip his lip and whisper. “Take off your pants.”

His lip quirks into an arrogant smile as he rises from the bed and removes them. Sitting up, I observe as he reveals his straining erection. I’ve never been with a man, but I have to say I’m impressed by what Lucifer is showing. His shaft is long and thick, and his rounded crown is dribbling precum from its rosy slit. He lays back down on me and pushes my hair from my face with a serious expression. “I promised you we wouldn’t go further.”

I nod and whisper, “I know, but that doesn’t mean I can’t touch you and taste you.”

He throws his head back and gasps when I wrap my fingers around his thick shaft and pump it until he’s as hard as a stone. Sliding my thumb across the swollen crown, I spread his precum around, making him write and groan with pleasure. “Fuck, luv, that’s it. Don’t stop.” I smile confidently. I really don’t know what I’m doing, but whatever it is, I’m doing it right. I go with my instincts and continue to pump him, memorizing his size, shape and how velvety and steely it feels at the same time. My fist won’t fit his shaft’s full circumference, so I tighten my hold and pump him tightly between my fingers. Lucifer arches above me and moves his hips in tandem with my strokes as he kisses me deeply. It’s amazing to see his sinewy body arch and move so gracefully above mine. His movements are almost feline in their grace as his skin moves tightly around his muscles.

Our breaths mingle, and our bodies move together. Looking down, Lucifer lifts my hips until my folds are wrapped around his hard shaft. Smiling, he arches his back and slides his cock across my sheath, rubbing my clit and making me growl at the contact. Sweat glistens across our bodies as we strain for release. Keeping one hand around his cock, I move my hips in tandem with his and gasp as my arousal reawakens. With every stroke of his crown against my clit, I cry and mewl, making him groan. Within moments, we’re both crying out with the intensity of our climaxes. Lucifer tightens his hand around mine as he pumps his shaft until his essence is spilling across my flat belly. Once we are spent, he magically cleanses us and lies down beside me. His chest rises as falls heavily as he pulls me close to his chest and wraps his arms around my shoulders.

Resting my head on his pec, I wrap my leg around his and sigh with contentment. My eyes feel heavy, but I don’t want to sleep. I just want to bask in the aftermath of our lovemaking. “Why did you fall?” I know that I should not break the spell of the night, but something inside of me urges me to ask.

“Was it for love? Did you hate God? Why?”

His body stiffens beneath mine, but he doesn’t move, which I take as a good sign. For a moment, I think he’s going to ignore my question, but he surprises me when he answers. “I did not fall for love or hate. I fell because I was tired of simply existing.”

I raise my head from his shoulder and gaze up at him. “I don’t understand.”

His head angles as he gazes up at the ceiling. “As an archangel, I spent my existence fighting The Creator’s wars or training. Other than my brother Michael, I had nothing that I truly cared about. The other angels and I were simply required to be good little soldiers and be happy with our lot. Then, The Creator became bored and decided to create a new species—humans. At first, I loathed the idea of their existence. But as I continued to observe their interactions, I became envious. They were loved for their flaws and allowed to live their lives how they wished.”

Lucifer’s body seems to tense further as he caresses his palm across my spine and clenches his jaw. Seeing his lost expression, I place my hand on his chest and rub it soothingly. “I was impetuous. The Creator had just begun to pit Michael and me against each other as a means of isolating us. I don’t know if Michael was aware of The Creator’s intention or if he even cared, but we eventually drifted apart. Seeking solace, I ingratiated myself into the human world until I wanted what they had. But I also wanted my brother, though he seemed to care very little for me at that point. Eventually, it all came to pass when Michael told The Creator of my actions. I was so angry at them for their dereliction that I spoke out of turn and expressed my desire to leave. I wanted to be free. I wanted a life that I know I could not have in heaven. Seeing that I was irredeemable, The Creator cast me into hell. At first, I was angry that neither my brother nor The Creator questioned my reason for rebelling. But eventually, I grew to find happiness in my new existence.”

His gaze meets mine and becomes shuttered as he searches my face. “Of course, I did not know that there was something of value that I thoughtlessly left behind. Something that I thought I’d never have, and that’s my only true regret.”

Something inside of me becomes angry at his words, but I quickly push the irrational anger away. I don’t understand why I would feel this way or feel my eyes changing again. “I’m sorry about your brother,” I murmur softly.

He buries his head close to mine and tightens his arms tightly around me. I blink my eyes as sleep quickly threatens to overwhelm me. Lucifer runs his thumb down my shoulder and mutters. “Go to sleep, my lady.”

I try to shake my head but end up letting out a jaw-breaking yawn. “I don’t want this night to end.”

He chuckles, but before he can answer, his cell phone vibrates. Lucifer leans over the bed, takes it out of his pants pocket and answers it. “Azazel?”

Azazel must say something upsetting because Lucifer shoots up from the bed. “I’ll meet you there.”

His expression is shadowed as he slips back into his clothes.

“What’s wrong?” I ask as I sit up and wrap a sheet around my naked body.

Lucifer’s head snaps up, his gaze meeting mine as if just remembering that I’m there. “There was an earthquake, and Lucifer wants me to look over some of the damage that occurred in the woods.”

“Is everyone alright?” I ask with concern.

Lucifer nods. “It seems that the only damage that happened was in the woods.”

Rising from the bed, I reach for some shorts. “I’ll go with you.”

He shakes his head. “No, luv, you should stay here and rest. The only reason Azazel called me is that the quake might have opened a hell portal or has something to do with hell. You’ll just be in the way.”

I gasp exasperatedly. “I’m not a child, Lucifer. If you haven’t noticed, I study landscape changes and geographical patterns. I can help you.”

He scoffs and waves his hand at my rumpled bed. “After what we just did in that bed, I can assure you that I know you’re not a child. This is not why I won’t take you with me. Hell and all of its population are in my realm, and you’re better off staying here,” he states resolutely.

At his brusque tone, I deflate back into the bed. “Are you coming back?” I ask, feeling my confidence drop after experiencing such an intimate moment.

Lucifer steps close, wraps his arms around my waist, and gives me a gentle kiss. “I might not come back tonight. But I will come back tomorrow barring any issues.”

I cling to his arms for a moment and savor his kiss before I step back and let him go. I don’t tell him to be safe or that I’m worried. I mean, how do you tell one of the most powerful beings in the world to be careful?

Taking my hand in his, he gazes into my eyes for a moment and kisses my palm before he flashes out of the room.

As I lie in bed, I can’t help but feel more was going on than he said. However, I can barely keep my eyes open, and the hellish nightmares that I have been avoiding continue to plague me.