QUEEN OF THE UNDERWORLD: Earthbound series Lucien and Scarlett (Book 2)

She had kept her feelings towards my child well hidden.

After the heated argument, Pamela had left.

Evelyn had taken her place.

To think I would even consider letting someone else raise my child was unbelievable. The hatred I had heard falling from her mouth still played over and over in my head. I had made it plain to everyone that I didn’t want Pamela to be at the birth or see her afterward. There was no way I could trust her. Not now.

Groaning, I rolled onto my side and stood rather clumsily. I felt the waterflood on the floor as it left my body and landed between my feet. Oh fuck, did I just wet myself? How embarrassing.

I felt a twinge in my stomach. Shit. Stumbling over to the door, I yanked it open.

“Melissa, Evelyn, Astrid,” I yelled at the top of my lungs as another twinge more painful than the last hit me, causing me to bend over. “Fuck, fuck, fuck. Melissa,” I panted out as I tried to catch my breath.

“Scarlett,” Melissa’s panicked voice called out as she ran down the hallway towards me.

“She’s in labor,” I heard Astrid say from somewhere behind Melissa, “quickly, we need to take her to the birthing room,” Astrid ordered.

“It’s too early. I’m only seven months pregnant,” I yelled, my face reddening; they all but carried me into the room and onto the bed waiting for me.

“Calm down. Everything will be fine. Don’t forget that your child is part demon,” Astrid reassured me.

I scream as another crippling pain hits deep inside my stomach.

“The labor is progressing quicker than normal,” Astrid said in a calm, firm voice, “Melissa, grab the herbs you made up, put them in some warm water, and then drain it into a glass. Scarlett needs to drink it. Scarlett, you need to drink up the potion. It will help with the pain and delivery.”

I lay with my back against the pillows. Another twinge hit me. “Fuck,” I screamed out, “where’s that damn drink, Melissa?”

“Here,” Melissa replied, shoving the murky water into my hand.

Yuck, not only does it look disgusting, it smells the same way, and Astrid wants me to drink this shit. Fuck! I take a hesitant sip. Oh, lord, it’s horrible. I’m so tempted to spit it out. My mouth puckers as my nose wrinkles. “It’s revolting.” My body shivered in revulsion.

“Stop pissing around and drink the thing,” Astrid huffed as she pushed the drink up to my mouth before crossing her arms under her breasts. “Once you have taken it, there should be an instant effect.”

“You’re not the ones having to drink it,” I muttered under my breath as I took an enormous mouth full and swallowed. Oh, blinking heck, it’s worse than I thought. I took another. My head shook, and my body shivered as I swallowed it down. I quickly swallowed another as another twinge swept through my stomach. Fuck, that was worse than the last one. When is this drink going to work and the pain to end?

FIFTEEN HOURS LATER

I looked down at the baby in my arms.

My heart swelled and burst with love. It’s a feeling I’ve never felt before. I can’t believe I’m a mommy. It doesn’t seem possible. Melissa said he’s large for a newborn; his skin is soft. Innocent green eyes stared back up at me. This tiny baby is my child and my responsibility. Astrid had already checked him over, and he was healthy. His birth hadn’t been an easy one, and in the end, he had to be cut from my body. I felt the pull of my skin as I slowly moved. It hurts like fuck, but he was worth the pain.

“He’s beautiful,” Melissa whispered.

“Aww, look at his little plump cheeks,” Evelyn gushed as she stroked his cheek with her fingertip, “he’s going to be a heartbreaker when he gets older.”

“Yes, he is,” I whispered as I fell further in love with him. He looks so much like his father. It’s uncanny.

NEXT DAY

I’ve named him Joshua Lucien.

We are still at Melissa’s. It’s more secure. Melissa had offered me some land where I could build my own home. I hadn’t told her no. Astrid had headed home two days ago and told us she’d be back in a couple of days. Everyone but Pamela had seen Joshua. I couldn’t trust her. She had shown her true feelings, and I couldn’t forget what she had said. His safety was paramount. As I changed into my nightwear, I couldn’t stop thinking of Lucien and what he was doing. I have tried not to think of him, but it was impossible. No matter what I was doing, he popped into my thoughts. I pulled the sheets down, climbed into bed, and turned off the lamp. I was so tired. It wasn’t easy having a newborn to look after. Melissa had taken Joshua overnight so I could get an entire night’s sleep.

With a tired sigh, I drifted off into the wisps of sleep.

Confused, I looked around. Shit, where am I? I turned my head; I didn’t recognize the room. In one corner is an oversized chaise lounge. Old books covered the wall from the ceiling to the wooden floor. A large double window looked out over large looming mountains. I tried to walk to the window. My feet felt heavy. It’s like they’re stuck to the floor. I turned my head as I heard voices from the other side of the closed door. I watched with bated breath as the handle turned, and Aria walked in, two men following closely behind her. She can’t see me. I’m having a vision.

“Is everything in place?” Her voice had a savage edge to it as she walked over to the chaise lounge and arranged herself over its curving surface.

“Yes, mistress.” His movements were stiff and awkward as, with lowered eyes, he walked forward and stopped in front of her.

“Good,” she purred. “Do not fail me, or there will be consequences. I want Lucien dead by the end of the week and proof that it’s been done.”

“Mistress, we won’t fail you. We will bring you his head.” The other spoke in a tone filled with awe and respect.

“You had better not,” she replied with a silken thread of warning in her voice. Standing, she undid the dress that’s wrapped around her, it falls in a pool around her feet, “Come,” Aria cooed, coaxing them toward her, “come to me, don’t be afraid.” She stepped away from the dress and kicked it to one side.

Their hungry eyes raked boldly over her body.

She sits down and spreads her legs wide open. “Kneel at my feet and worship your goddess.” Her gaze glimmered as they obeyed her instructions.

She gasped in delight as a head settled between her thighs. Aroused, she drew the other male closer to her.

I wake with a start. No matter how much Lucien has hurt me, I can’t let her kill the father of my child.

I had told Melissa I needed everyone here. Not one word has been said since I told them about my vision. Not even from Pamela. It was too important for her not to be here. Their expressions told me all I needed to know. They didn’t like the idea of me getting back in contact with Lucien.

“I need to warn him, whether or not you agree.”

“How do you intend to do it?” Melissa replied, “Are you still linked to him?”

I nodded at Melissa’s question as I looked down at Joshua. I could feel Pamela’s burning stare. So far, she had made no comment on the child I was holding in my arms.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to speak through your link. We need to think of a different way,” Melissa said, “Do you have a link with anyone else?”

Damn, why didn’t I think of it? I’m still linked to Alex. How stupid am I?

Running my hand through my hair I said. “I’m still linked to Alex. I could send a message to him.”

Would he be willing to pass on the message to Lucien?”

Would he? I couldn’t see why he wouldn’t be willing. I said the same to Melissa.

Walking forward and stood between us, with her arms crossed under her bust, Pamela demanded, “Are you all crazy? Not telling him is a better idea. None of us can listen to Scarlett. Her head has been turned so much she cannot think straight. She won’t even get rid of that monstrosity she has in her arms!”

Tears whelmed up. How could she think like this? Where has the kindhearted women I knew gone?

“Pamela,” shocked voices echoed around the room.

“Don’t Pamela me. You are thinking the same thing, but I am the only one who’s got enough balls to say it.”

As her expression stilled, her eyes stony in anger, Melissa’s brows drew together, and her mouth tightened, “It doesn’t matter whether Scarlett’s child is part demon. He is part of Scarlett and us. He is family, and you will have to live with it.”

Lips pressed together in anger; her eyes turned cold, Pamela replied, “I can never accept her demon spawn in our family. It’s just not right, and none of you will convince me otherwise.”

Stepping forwards Melissa demanded, “In that case, the question is. Can you be trusted?”

“Of course, I can be trusted!” Pamela huffed, as hurt flashed in her eyes, “Because I do not think it’s a good idea, Scarlett, keeping this child. That doesn’t mean that I would hurt it.”

I turned my head and met Pamela’s gaze. “Sister or not. I warn you if you try to harm my son or take him from me, I will not be held accountable for my actions. So I suggest you get rid of the resentful feelings you are holding against my child.” I turned my attention back to the rest of my family. “I will try to link with Alex and let him know what’s happening. It will be up to Lucien if he believes the warning or not.”

I leaned back in the chair as I closed my eyes and tried to join our link.

‘Alex.’ I called out, ‘Alex, can you sense me?’

I felt a brush of another as he joined our link. I gave a sigh of relief. Thankful that it worked.

‘Scarlett, is that you?’

‘Yes, it’s me.’

‘Scarlett, thank heavens you are alive. Why did you leave? Everything went to hell after you disappeared. Lucien went bat shit crazy.’

‘I had to leave. For my safety.’

I felt his disappointment in me, but I had no time for regrets. ‘Alex, I need you to tell Lucien that he’s in danger.’

‘Danger? From who?’

‘Aria. Aria is going to try to either harm or kill him. You must warn him, Alex.’

Silence.

‘Alex, are you there?’

‘Yes, I’m still here. Scarlett, how do you know this?’

‘I had a vision. Lucien has to be warned.’

‘He won’t believe it. You’ll have to give him more proof than that.’

‘It doesn’t matter about the proof; you must tell him.’

‘I will make sure he gets the message, but whether he believes it with no proof is another matter.’

‘Get the message to him, Alex, and if I can prove it, I will.’

‘I will make sure he gets the message. Just try to get the proof, so it’s there to back it up.’

‘Thank you, Alex.’

‘Don’t thank me yet, Scarlett. Let’s see what his reaction is going to be.’

SAME DAY

EVENING

I think of the conversation I had with Alex through our link. I was grateful that it had worked. He had promised me he would get the message to Lucien as soon as he was able. I had been shocked to find out that he had moved back to be with his parents and siblings, and Jacob had given permission for him to come back to live in the pack. I had a feeling it had been partly to do with Aria. He had wanted to know when I was going to return. I hadn’t given him a straight answer. I felt as if I was being pulled in two. One part of me told me to go back, the other told me not to be so stupid. That I couldn’t trust him. I hated how I felt. If I went back, I knew I couldn’t take Joshua with me; I would have to leave him in the care of another. Somebody that no one would even believe I would trust. I didn’t know how they were going to take my news. It didn’t matter; I had already made my mind up. I had to protect my son and his father, and the only way to do that was to go back to Lucien and kill Aria.

It had to be somebody who wasn’t directly linked to my family, somebody no one else knew about. There was one person. It might be stupid, but I knew they would take care of Joshua while in their care. Plus, I knew if Aria ever found out about him, she would do anything to kill him, and I would not let that happen.

“I’m going back.”

I’m met with dead silence.

LUCIEN

My mind wasn’t focused as it should be.

I couldn’t believe that she had left me.

When I finally found her, she would pay.

No one left me without my say-so. I had been too lenient.

My little witch had left me, taking part of me with her. She thought my heart was black; it had become so much darker since she had left. My demon grieved. He blamed me for Scarlett leaving, and she had taken the one thing that was precious to us both. At first, I hadn’t believed what my demon had told me. I hadn’t wanted to think that Scarlett would take away something so precious to the both of us.

Aria was giving me nothing but grief. Her demands had gotten worse by the day, and I was at the end of my tether.

“You have been looking for months, Lucien. Maybe it’s time to stop,” Damien said as he took a sip out of the whiskey glass. “It’s like they know in advance when we are near to finding them.”

I raked my hand through my hair. Is he shitting me? I would not stop looking. Scarlett had taken something from me, and I wanted it back.

My lips curled in a snarl as I drummed my fingers on the desk. “I don’t fucking care how long it takes. I want Scarlett here.”

“If you had been truthful in the first place,” Damien had the audacity to remind me, “then this wouldn’t have happened. I’m not fond of the witch, but I’d rather she’d be here by your side than that fucking bitch. Do you honestly think that Scarlett will live here with you while that cunt is by your side? Did you honestly think she would take it? She isn’t the kind of woman to be second best or be with someone who has another by his side; you told me she’d warned you about Aria. And what did you do? You let her stay here, treating her as if nothing had happened. For fuck’s sake, Lucien, she tried to have Alex killed. If I didn’t know you as well, I’d think you were thinking with your dick and not your fucking head.”

I clenched my hands into fists, causing my knuckles to turn white. They say the truth hurts, but I didn’t need Damien to bring up my mistakes. “I had a reason to have Aria by my side. I still do.”

Damien shook his head. “And you think Scarlett’s going to accept that? The minute Aria learns Scarlett is back, that bitch will try something.” Damien frowned, sitting forward in the chair, his eyes narrowed, “Bringing her back here while that bitch is still about, you’re putting them both in danger. Get rid of the bitch before you bring them both back.”

I know he is fucking right; getting rid of Aria is easier said than done. She might be a lower demon than me, but she still has followers at her bidding. More than I’d care to admit to and what we had learned: Aria had her hands in more pies than I realized. The only way I could keep Scarlett here and make sure they were both safe was by getting rid of Aria. The only way to do that was in her death. I didn’t have trouble in killing humans or naturals, and my demon relished in it when the opportunity arose. The thing is, I’m not done with Aria just yet.

“I can protect her.” My eyelid twitched in agitation; I hated knowing he was right. I would let only a few speak to me in this manner; one was Damien, the other was Jaden. I had killed for less.

“Are you fucking kidding me? We are going around in circles. She had already attacked her. She has wanted to get rid of not only Scarlett but also her entire family. Fuck Lucien, you know she went behind your back and sought a full-blood witch and that fucking spy of hers. At least he’s gone. I just hope Jacob has taken care of him. Then there is Alex. Fucking hell, he’s gone back to Jacob’s pack because of that bitch and what she’d done. She is fucking lucky Jacob hasn’t killed her.”

Jacob had demanded to know why Alex had requested to be moved. I hadn’t been entirely forthcoming in the answer. Alex had told him he wanted to be near his family, that he realized how much he missed them after being attacked. From the look on Jacob’s face, I knew he hadn’t believed a word of it. The spy Damien was talking about, that little snake. I had nearly beaten him to a bloody pulp before I had handed him over to Jacob. Jacob hadn’t been happy when he and the other leaders had heard that Scarlett and her family had left. I hadn’t gone into too much detail. Malcolm, the little shit, had been a bigger problem. Aadya, thank fuck, had arrived, and had put him in his place. None of us knew why she hadn’t been at the other meetings. She hadn’t given a reason. She knew what had happened and had apologized profusely for not being there.

“If you find her. What do you think her response is going to be? Do you think she is going to agree to come back? She doesn’t trust you, none of them trust any of us,” he spat out, as he ran his hand over his bald head, “and I don’t blame them!”

“She won’t have a choice in—”

A rapid rapping came on the wooden door.

Fucking hell, now what?

“YES.”

I watched as Logan entered the room; standing directly behind him was Adam. I knew they were also unhappy with the fact that Scarlett had left. They are another two that she had charmed. After she had gone, I realized how many of my people liked and respected her. And how many of my people didn’t appreciate or trust Aria. It shocked me that the number itself was so high.

“Gentleman, how can I help you?”

I watched as they looked at each other. I don’t have the time for this nonsense. If there was something to tell me, then get the fuck on with it.

“Gentlemen, I haven’t got a lot of time on my hands, so if you have something to tell me. Do so.”

Logan stepped forward. Clearing his voice, “It’s Scarlett; she’s been in contact with Alex.”

My jaw twitched, and I rubbed the back of my hand across my mouth. “When?” I demanded I didn’t care about the how.

“Two days ago, apparently they have a mind link leftover from when she healed him.”

Leaning forward in a controlled voice, I said, “And why am I only being told this now?”

Stepping forwards, raising his chin Adam replied. “In our defense, Lucien, we have only just been told.”

Eyebrows shoot up in surprise, Damien questioned. “So, what was this warning? That she needs to tell Lucien about.”

“She wanted to warn Lucien,” Logan replied, “that Aria’s going to try something.”

“Try what?” I demand, frowning.

“To kill you,” Adam replied.

Fuck.