KING OF THE UNDERWORLD (Earthbound Book 1)

I came in here demanding answers. I got far more than I bargained for.

I can see Lucien fighting with his demon, can see it close to the surface. His eyes flash red when his demon starts to push forward, but it’s subtle enough that I’d miss it if I weren’t watching for it. Earlier I saw his skin shift and was surprised when Lucien was able to push the demon back. His demon doesn’t scare me, though I know he probably should.

I could tell from the expression on Alex’s face, he hadn’t wanted to leave me here alone with Lucien. He didn’t need to worry; I know Lucien wasn’t going to hurt me. But if he tried, I would fight back, and I’m far more powerful than either of them realizes.

After Alex leaves, Lucien and I sit in silence for a few moments, just staring at one another. Time seems to stand still until he grabs the decanter on his desk and pours some amber liquid into his glass. “Scotch?” He offers, nodding to the glass in front of me.

Without a word, I shake my head. Part of me thinks a drink could be useful right about now, but I’m not much of a drinker and the liquor would go straight to my head and leave me unable to defend myself, should the need arise.

He sighs before standing and removing his suit jacket. He drapes it across the back of the chair and settles back into it, taking a sip of his drink, his muscles rippling under his shirt. I long to run my hands over them, to press my body against his. I want to feel those powerful arms around me as his breath caresses across my skin. Trying to shake the lustful images from my brain, I cough nervously as he stares at me with predatory eyes, making me feel like his next meal and sending delicious shivers down my spine.

He continues to watch me in silence as my heart hammers in my chest. Where the hell my witch has gone, I haven’t a clue. I can’t seem to find her inside of me, as though she’s all but disappeared in the recesses of my mind. I know this is her way of telling me I can deal with him on my own, but shit! I’m not entirely sure I can. I force myself to focus on why I’m here. I can’t allow myself to fall for this man, this demon, who so easily makes me forget about everything but him.

I tune back in and register what he’s saying. “… our disagreement is getting us nowhere. We need to work together to figure out what’s going on. You have questions,” he states rather than asks. Biting down on my lower lip and releasing it, I take a deep breath as I stare into Lucien’s coal-black eyes. I nod lightly and he raises an eyebrow at me as he takes another sip from his glass. “So do I,” he informs me.

He looks down at the swirling liquid and continues. “News has come in about the soul keeper. He’s been staying in a hotel not far from here, and I’ve sent my men to pick him up and bring him to me. I will be questioning him when he arrives.” He stops talking and lifts his dark head, his eyes searching mine for a reaction.

I’m sure he can see my surprise. I hadn’t expected him to find the soul keeper so quickly. I’m pleased at the news and by the fact that Lucien finally seems willing to work together, but also a little afraid. If the soul keeper manages to get his hands on the men sent to retrieve him, their souls will be ripped from their bodies. It’s almost impossible to put a soul back once it’s been removed. Fuck.

“Your men are in grave danger,” I whisper, letting my concern show on my face.

With a deep sigh, he inclines his head in agreement. “Yes. Yes, they are.” His eyes continue to watch me intently. There is so much power inside of him, it lingers in the air around his body. He’s menacing, hard, complex, utterly forbidden and so damn sexy. His presence makes my heart beat faster and my skin tingle as I meet his unwavering gaze. “If it makes you feel any better, they knew what the job entailed before they agreed to it. They know exactly what they’re walking into.”

Shaking my head, I reply. “That doesn’t make it any better.”

I appreciate him trying to ease my concern, but I know too much not to be afraid for his men. I may not know all, or even any, of them, but I don’t want anyone getting their souls ripped out of their bodies on my account.

“I don’t relish the idea of sending my men into such a dangerous situation, but it was necessary. I made sure they were as prepared as they could be, and I’m confident in their abilities. I wouldn’t have sent them otherwise.” He reassures me, placing his empty glass on the desk in front of him.

“How did you know to come outside last night? How did you know what was happening?” He asks, changing the subject so swiftly, I feel like I have whiplash.

His question doesn’t surprise me, though. I knew he would demand answers, but there really isn’t much I can tell him but the truth, which doesn’t really explain anything.

I shrug. “I woke up, but I don’t know what woke me. Something told me I needed to go downstairs, so I followed my intuition and ran into, well, chaos.”

“Why did you help my men? You didn’t have to.” He looks at me suspiciously, his dark eyes not once leaving my face or even blinking as he scrutinizes every expression, looking for lies.

Oh, shit! I start praying to anyone or anything that may be listening. Please don’t tell me he realized I was helping speed up his men’s healing. I knew I was taking a chance, and I would do it again. But I hoped Lucien would only be aware of me bandaging and stitching, not of the powers I used. When the vampire, Jaden, acknowledged what I’d done, I was shocked. I couldn’t get away from him fast enough and I kept looking over my shoulder, waiting for heavy hands to drag me away and demand answers. I was actually shocked when it didn’t happen. Without anyone stopping me or impeding me, I healed as many men as I could without anyone watching. At the end of it, exhausted, I dragged myself to bed.

I try to keep my face free of any and all emotion that could show him the rising panic inside of me. If he were to figure out what I am, it could spell disaster for me and my family. Knowing better than to lie to a demon, I consider my next words carefully.

“They needed help and I had the skills to give it. I cannot in good conscience leave anyone, human or Natural, to suffer untreated as they bleed out. I knew I could help, so I did.” My body is tense as I wait with bated breath for his reaction. I didn’t lie about why I helped; I just didn’t mention my Omega and how she helped me heal his men.

Lucien merely continues to watch me in silence for several minutes. Not knowing what he’s thinking sends a small fissure of anxiety down my spine. I resist the urge to shudder. His expression finally changes, a small smile appearing on his lips. “They appreciate it,” he says, “as do I. I likely would have lost even more of my men had you not stepped in to help.”

“I hope the need doesn’t arise, but I would do it again.” I inform him, returning his smile with one of my own as my muscles relax in relief.

“So, the soul keeper,” he backtracks, running his inked hand through his tousled hair. “From the intel that’s come in so far, it appears he wasn’t working alone, which is what I’ve suspected all along. I will know more once I get the chance to interrogate him” He stops, his dark eyes locked on my face, his expression suddenly morphing into one that speaks to his formidable rage.

“You’ll be updated as soon as possible. You can go ahead and let your sisters know everything we’ve found out so far. As you know, though I’m curious to know how you found out, the meeting is taking place in a few days. I’ve decided to extend an invitation to you and your sisters. As you heard me telling Alex, the leaders of the other territories will be in attendance, along with representatives from both councils. I’m warning you now, it will not be pleasant, particularly if they get even a whiff of the fact that you’re all witches.”

I feel my face go pale with his warning. If we go to the meeting, we’ll be surrounded by Naturals. Everyone knows who the leaders of the territories are, it isn’t kept secret. It’s bad enough being in Lucien’s company, trying to keep my omega a secret. I can’t even imagine what it will be like with Naturals all around me. Lucien isn’t wrong. Having the entire Supernatural world find out there are still witches among them could spell disaster, but it’s the least of my worries at the moment. While unlikely, it’s possible they could see the benefit of having witches as allies. But if they were to find out we are also omegas… this meeting could spell our demise.

I lean back in my chair, allowing myself time to formulate a response. “We’ve stayed hidden for so long, I can’t see my sisters accepting the invitation,” I finally reply, my mouth so dry I have trouble getting the words out.

They are already displeased about the fact I refused to come home and that they’re being forced to come here to see me. They have no desire to reveal themselves to Lucien, I can’t imagine how they would feel being asked to attend a meeting among nearly every leader of the Natural world. Just the idea of it has me nearly trembling in fear.

“Make them see sense,” Lucien states simply, leaning back in his chair.

“The very idea…” My words trail off, a sigh leaving me as I shake my head. “I will speak with them, but I see only one way they will agree to be there. You would have to agree to allow us to use a concealment spell which would hopefully keep anyone from sensing our true nature.” Part of me really hopes he refuses, saving me and my sisters from having to worry over the concealment spell failing us and dooming us in the same breath.

He steeples his hands over his mouth, thinking over my proposal. I can see he isn’t happy with the idea. I know he’s still grappling with the fact that he’s had witches in his territory for so long without being aware of it and it doesn’t sit well with him.

A small, thin smile appears on his face as something occurs to him. “The spell didn’t work on me, and I doubt very much it will work on the other Naturals. How have you stayed hidden for so long? I sensed you were a witch the moment I saw you.”

I’ve known I wouldn’t be able to avoid the question forever. I wonder how much I should tell him. We need his trust, and he already thinks he knows exactly what we are; half-witch and half-human. Giving him the information on how we control the witch part of us won’t make much of a difference at this point. I don’t need to tell him just how powerful we are.

“You forget we are part human. The human part controls the witch,” I explain a calm voice.

Fixing me with a stern look he demands, “How the fuck can you control that thing inside of you?”

I try not to fidget in my chair as I think of how to explain it to him without freaking him the fuck out. I feel my nerves bubbling up inside of me; I hate being nervous. How is he going to react, knowing the humans stepped up and helped the witches? I definitely don’t intend to tell him about the Naturals who helped us, no matter that it was centuries ago. Some of those Naturals are still alive, and the ones who aren’t, have descendants who could be in danger if the truth came out. Thinking about it now, I wonder if perhaps Jaden was one of those who supported my ancestors.

“It wasn’t easy. It’s taken a long time, generations, to get where we are now. I can control my witch, so can the rest of my family. When I need her, I call her forth, but my human is always in control,” I tell him, hoping he understands that he isn’t in danger of rogue witches attacking him in a fit of anger. “No matter how close she is to the surface, I have full control.” I can see the battle being waged inside of him as he tries to accept what I’m saying. I can imagine how difficult it must be, considering the destruction caused by witches in the past.

“You have a demon inside of you; you’re not human, though you look the part. How do you control him? Is it possible for him to gain control and take over?” I ask.

“No. He’s part of me. I am the Beast and the Demon; we are one,” he explains thoughtfully, his eyes never wavering from me.

“So basically, we are the same,” I shrug and point between us. “The difference being that my family and I are part human, and you’re not. Our witch, when necessary, protects us. You’re powerful enough on your own not to need your demon to protect you.”

Tilting his head to one side, Lucien narrows his eyes as his they travel over my face and upper body, a glint appearing in them as he asks, “How powerful are you?”

I shift uneasily in my chair, not realizing I’m biting down on my bottom lip until it starts to throb. My knee starts to bounce as we stare at one another across the large wooden desk. I fight the urge to get up and flee, to get as far away from him and his questions as possible. What can I tell the man sitting before me? Not the complete truth, but I already warned him and Aria that I was capable of protecting myself when threatened. Speaking of Aria, I’ve since learned she is his partner, confirming what she told me when we met. One of Lucien’s employees told me they’ve been together for years.

I take a deep breath before answering. “I’ve already told you. I am capable of protecting myself when necessary, against just about any threat. I know Aria is your partner, but you need to know that if she attempts to harm me or any of my family members, I will not hold my witch back and neither will they.

“I see someone’s been talking out of turn,” Lucien grinds out with clenched teeth, his dark eyes glaring at me.

After what I just told him, that’s all he has to say? Bloody hell. I shrug. “What can I say? You’re a hot topic of conversation and there are more than a few people here who just love to gossip. You and your little plaything are a favored topic, whether I wish to hear about it or not.” My lips twist as I allow my gaze to travel over his face, shoulders, and chest before locking eyes with him once more.

What does he see when he stares at me with such intensity? Is he trying to see inside of me? To see my soul? I know it’s impossible to see inside of someone in such a way, but I can’t help the shudder that runs through me at the thought.

“Don’t believe everything you hear or see, little witch,” he tells me, raising a hand and stroking it over his jaw, a hint of annoyance glimmering in his eyes.

“I don’t believe everything I hear, but I can’t help but believe what I’ve seen with my own two eyes. I’ve seen plenty,” I retort, rolling my eyes as I cross one leg over the other. “I know what I saw that day from my window and what I witnessed in the security room.”

He stiffens at my words. “As I said. You cannot believe everything you hear or see. Looks can deceive.” An expression of intense frustration comes over his face, a muscle twitching in his jaw.

Is he trying to tell me in a roundabout way that she isn’t his partner? I might believe him if I hadn’t witnessed not only with my eyes, but in my visions.

“Are you saying that Aria isn’t your partner, your wife?” I ask incredulously, lifting my eyebrow as my head cocks to the side. Does he think I’m an idiot?

As he pours himself another drink, he replies, “It’s complicated.” His stare is bold as his eyes slide down to my breasts before returning to meet my gaze. A shiver of lust runs down my spine at his heated look. Bringing the glass to his lips and taking a long sip, he hesitates before saying, “What Aria is to me has nothing to do with the undesired feelings I have for you.”

His words catch me off guard, shocking me. I know he can read the astonishment on my face. He watches me as I try to take control of my emotions and still my hammering pulse. I know I can’t avoid what he just said, it needs to be addressed, if for no other reason than my sanity. I track his movements as he places the unfinished drink on his desk before standing and making his way around to where I’m sitting. I swallow hard, my mouth dry, as he moves closer. I can feel a burning need growing inside my body. I fight to keep my eyes anywhere but on him. I don’t want him to see the longing in them, don’t want him to know that he has me right where he wants me.

His large body looming over me, he gently grabs my chin and tilts my face up to his. “Why can’t I get you out of my mind? You’re always there, no matter who I take to my bed or how often.” His voice is cloaked in wonder, a smoldering flame growing in his eyes.

I’m speechless, both from his words and the way he’s looking at me. I feel my entire body start to shake as his scent fills my senses. His touch is melting all the walls I thought were firmly in place and it takes every ounce of control I possess to stop myself from pouncing on him.

Finding my voice, I tell him, “I will not be your plaything or some trophy you show off to the men who bow down to you.” His eyes flash red and I remove his fingers from my face, even as an unwelcome surge of heat flows through me. My breath catches, my heart racing inside my chest.

A low growl emanates from his chest, and I close my eyes.

His deep voice is thick with emotion when he speaks. “Open your eyes.” He gives me a gentle shake, and at his command, my eyelids lift to meet his black gaze. “Is that what you think?” He asks with a frown, observing and assessing my expression. “You think I want to use you? You couldn’t be more wrong.”

“Your feelings are unwanted; you just said that,” I reply, my voice catching as I fight back the tears I feel gathering. I lower my gaze, not wanting him to see my despair.

“Look at me,” he demands, his voice rough but gentle.

Even as my eyes meet his, I curse myself for giving in. His gaze is heated, his expression one that speaks of dark desires. I know if I were standing, I would try to flee. He usually keeps his emotions so guarded, to see his face full of such… yearning… it feels as though my soul has been bared to him.

He shakes his head, his ebony eyes holding me in their thrall. “Unwanted, yes. I’ve never wanted another female the way I want you. Not even Aria. I cannot stop this craving I have for you. It’s all-consuming. I’ve done everything in my power to stop myself from seeking you out. I’ve been at war with myself and my demon for days now. He wants you like he’s never wanted another; he wants to lay claim to you. I’ve never had to fight him so hard for control. When I’m near you, he wants out. He keeps pushing me, trying to force me to take you as our mate.”

I blink, convinced I’m imagining this entire exchange. There is no way he just said the words I think I heard. This is madness. I hold my breath, my eyes frozen on his lips. I force my gaze to his and the look I see in them tells me that this is really happening.

“Am I meant to believe you?” I ask, surprised when my voice comes out steady. “You want me to believe you have no feelings left for the woman you’ve been with for so many years?”

His dark eyes rove over my face, drinking me in. “Do you remember the first night we met, when I made you give me a promise? You stood before me, scared out of your mind, but still worked up the nerve to stand up to me. You looked like an angel passing through the depths of hell, refusing to back down. I knew then that you were the one for me, no matter how many times I’ve tried to deny it. The circumstances that have brought you here are irrelevant. I cannot deny what you are to me any longer. Fuck, I don’t have it in me to fight with my demon any longer. I know he’s right. This goes beyond any business agreement; I know you see that. I know you feel it too, whatever this is between us. I can see it in your eyes every time you look at me.”

His words hit home, making it difficult to breathe. Can I believe him? Can I trust him with my heart? What he’s saying is an echo of what I’ve seen in my dreams. My dreams have been trying to tell me that this man, this demon standing before me, he is my destiny. Do I have the courage to embrace it, embrace him? He has the power to hurt me, not only physically, but emotionally. He has the power to obliterate my soul.

Distracting me from my worries, he takes my hand and kisses it, as though I’m the most precious thing on earth. Who is this person in front of me? No longer the brutal, dangerous, deadly demon of lore, but somehow even more powerful. He is everything I’ve ever wanted. Lucien is, literally, the man in my dreams.

I know I need to decide to walk away from him, from my destiny, or to place my trust in him, in my dreams, and give myself to him. What happens if I do the latter? What happens with Aria. I refuse to be his dirty little secret. How would I handle my family and their reaction to our union? With a start, I realize I’ve spoken my thoughts aloud.

“There is no way I can keep you a secret. My feelings for you can no longer be hidden. I will deal with Aria,” he assures me, pulling me out of the chair and into his arms. “We will deal with any problems as they arise. For this moment, and every moment hereafter, you are mine. No one will dare take you away from me.”

His smell engulfs me, making my thighs clench with desire. The only thought running through my fog-filled mind is having his lips and hands on my body. All the promises I made to myself to resist him have vanished.

I watch his lips descend towards my own and I meet them willingly, eagerly. This kiss is so much more than all the ones before. It threatens to swallow me whole. A protest forms in my mind, that I have no guarantee he will end things with Aria, but it is washed away by the sensation of his body against mine. I am his for the taking and I’m powerless to stop it. I tangle my fists in his raven hair, allowing my body to mold to his hardness.

Even with lust battering me from every angle, there is one thought that hasn’t left my mind. Though I am his, is he truly mine?