Dark Prince Ch. 04

The other door slammed against the wall, the dark-haired high priest rushing in breathless. "Amaranth," he panted when his wide eyes settled on her.

"Ashriel. Why didn't you tell me about this?"

Ashriel's eyes darted to Devon and he scowled for a moment before his gaze switched back to Amaranth.

"There is nothing to tell, sister."

Frustration had Devon wound up like a tight coil. He turned back to Amaranth, needing to hear the truth once and for all. "Fallen what?" he demanded when she opened her mouth to say something to Ashriel. "Angel? Fallen angel?" His hands gripped her shoulders.

The high priest growled his disapproval and stepped toward them. "Get your hands off her."

Devon ignored him. "Who do I look like? D..." he sucked in a nervous breath, "...Davariel?"

A shiver went through him. The images of horror that name evoked, his mind running rampant with all the tales he'd heard of the demonic possessions, the killings, and the plagues that had held the entire galaxy in the grip of terror.

Amaranth's eyes filled with tears, confusing him even more.

Ashriel's bark of bitter laughter snared his attention.

"You, "the high priest ground out, pulling Amaranth from him, "are not even half the man Davariel was."

Devon watched as Ashriel wrapped Amaranth in his meaty arms. Growling with anger, Devon spat, "I don't want to be him. The only beings I've ever fought and killed were the holographic training images in Alpha 7's training hall."

"Dava never killed anyone before he turned either," the high priest spat back.

"What am I? Who were my parents, damn-it?" He hit his fist against his chest as he snarled, "I have a right to know!"

When Ashriel would have spoken, Amaranth placed her fingers over his lips. "Ash...?"

She continued to gaze into the reaper's eyes, now softened with tenderness as he looked down at her.

Ashriel's hand smoothed over one of her wings, making her shiver. He shook his head, and then turned hostile eyes back to Devon. "You're his son... the angel of destruction's spawn." Devon's blood ran cold. "He was supposed to kill your mother, but succumbed to his lustful nature. You see... Davariel was conceived by a Seraph and a succubus."

Devon closed his eyes. He felt as though his head were spinning.

"Why was I allowed to be born?"

"I was sent to kill you while you were in your mother's womb," Ashriel snarled, "but that son-of-a-bitch of your father sent Luciel away. We couldn't find any trace of her. By the time I located you and your parents, you had the protection of a Dominatio. There wasn't anything anyone could do." Ashriel's eyes looked at him from head to foot, a disgusted sneer on his handsome face. "I still can't believe you were anointed an archangel as an infant. Makes no sense, especially when demon blood courses through your veins."

The Dominatio. Devon blinked. "You can't kill me? But..." Confusion assailed his senses. He was losing control of himself. His only comfort had been that at least the reapers would put an end to him were he to turn completely. "I don't want to kill... I don't want to become a mass murderer and be responsible for opening the gates of hell."

To that, Amaranth simply replied, "then don't."

"But how?" Devon fell to his knees, pulling at his hair in desperation. "The devils torment me. They call me their master. They tell me to kill... to hurt..." he closed his eyes, repulsed by the fact he felt longing racing through his body at his own words, "to bathe in blood."

"Perhaps you need to embrace what you are." Ashriel's voice had Devon snapping his eyes open in shock. Embrace what he was? A demon? "Embrace and accept what you are and tame it. Don't..."

"You're crazier than I am," Devon snapped, lurching to his feet. Dismayed, he realized his trip to Angelos had been a waste of time. At least now he knew who his parents were. He was the son of Davariel, the angel di' la morte. "Why didn't the Seraphian Master Guardians tell me what I was?"

"They thought by teaching you love and kindness they'd be able to keep you from turning. You have human blood in you too. That's why you don't have wings," Ashriel said.

"And if I do turn... I'm just going to be allowed to destroy our universe?"

Ashriel's eyes glinted with cold hatred. "No. Then no Dominatio in the realm will keep me from hunting you down and finishing you. That's what I was born to do. Kill angels of destruction."

His words washed over Devon, giving him a measure of peace. "Promise me."

Ashriel's glittering grey eyes narrowed. "I'll do more than that, demon." His black wings opened gloriously behind his back as he unsheathed his sacred sword, pointing it at Devon. "I'll swear an oath to it."

***

Angel had never been to places of leisure debauchery. Her few ventures out of Venushti after the high priestess had saved her from sexual slavery had been to visit a few solar systems, meet others of religious devotion, and visit the sacred stone in the Edenian solar system.

As she weaved through the throngs of twisting aliens, dancing to the rhythm of hard pounding music, she wished she had Devon's arms around her, protecting her body from the feel of lust around her.

Rowie cast a glance back in her direction, smiling apologetically.

His presence feels stronger here, Angel—her voice whispered into her mind. We'll find Remi this time...I'm sure.

A forked tongue whipped out and stroked along Angel's neck, making her flesh crawl. She cast a killing glare at the lizard creature giving her a toothy grin. Something wrapped around her wrist, making her look down. Her nightmares had come true as she gazed in horror at the root-like tentacle wrapped around her wrist, trailing slowly up her arm.

Angel's eyes lifted to stare into the face of a creature that looked more like a plant than a humanoid. The glowing red eyes seared into her, the mouth opening and emitting a rasping hiss that smelled of rotting vegetation.

Before she had time to scream, Rowie and Anniel were there. Their arms wrapped around Angel, pulling her from the swarming aliens. Still, Angel shivered, struggling to breathe normally. Rowie held her tight. It's okay. You're with us. No one's going to hurt you.

Angel clutched at the black curls that fell to Rowie's waist, just breathing in her comforting scent. Anniel smooth her hands over her back.

That's when she saw him. Remien was in the arms of... a vampire. The dark male's mouth fastened to his neck.

Angel didn't need to utter a word, Rowie stiffened in her embrace, as if she were seeing the whole scene through Angel's eyes, then she disappeared from Angel's arms only to reappear behind the vampire, laser sword at his back.

"Uh-hum." Anniel snorted. "That Vamp's in deep shit now, Angie."

Angel watched, shocked, as he released the were-dragon who fell to the ground, his neck oozing blood.

"Tell me why I shouldn't kill you now?" Rowie hissed in the vamp's ear.

Angel and Anniel scurried toward them, and crouched to help Remien. They gripped him under his arms, trying to help him up. He blinked in confusion, and then scowled at them.

"What the hell goes on here?" the vampire growled, obviously displeased his meal had been interrupted.

"Rem, are you okay? What the hell is wrong with you? Why were you letting this asshole feed off you?" Rowie demanded.

Remien cursed under his breath. "I'll explain later. Wait for me outside."

He swayed forward, Angel barely catching him in time before he plummeted to the floor again. His body felt hot, scorching. Her lip began to bead with sweat from the heat rolling off him and the effort it took to keep the six-foot-three were-dragon up.

"What?" Rowie snapped, incredulous. "Remien Fyre, do not tell me you're whoring yourself out for blood feeders!"

"Red, you're in deep shit now," Anniel murmured through the side of her mouth, doing her best to help him remain standing.

The vampire laughed, making Rowie push the handle of her laser sword deeper into his spine. He grunted with discomfort, scowling down at Remien again. "This is not amusing, dragon-man!"

"Fuck, Row. Just give me some more time here." He swayed on his feet a little as he wrapped his arm around Anniel and Angel's shoulder and smiled at Rowie, "There's plenty of Fyre to go around."

Rowie shoved the vampire out of her way and grabbed Remien by his ears. "Conceited prick! Asshole! I should just leave you here to rot."

Angel followed them as Rowie dragged Remien out by his ear to where they'd left the Viper.

Rowie was still cursing up a storm, yanking his ear. He only smiled blissfully. "Where's your Viper? Bring it here! You are never to disappear like that again. Selling his blood! Can you believe that, Annie? He was whoring himself out!"

"But, baby..." he began.

"Don't baby me," she shrieked in his face. "You're a Master Guardian, not some cheap blood slut."

"I needed the money..."

This time she slapped him, but he only groaned as if aroused. To Angel's shock, he cupped his straining erection and gave Rowie a pleading look. "Baby, you know how much that turns me on by now."

Rowie stamped her foot in frustration. Remien's black Viper floated down behind him and opened with a soft hiss. "Get in," she grated.

He obeyed, but a bit unsteadily, making Angel wonder if perhaps he was drunk as well as suffering from blood loss.

Rowie turned to her, her eyes imploring. "Please don't leave me alone with him."

Angel understood... perfectly. Rowie was fighting the urge to succumb to her lust and love for Remien. She nodded and was about to climb into the pod when someone caught her eye.

Near the entrance to the gothic nightclub, she saw a shimmer of silver hair. Her stomach roiled into a knot of fear as she saw Seth talking to two Greis.

Annie followed her gaze and then frowned at Angel.

"You didn't see that, Angel," Annie said, her voice suddenly gone cold. "Go on, with Row and Rem. I'll meet you guys back at Alpha in a while."

Rowie was still fighting with Remien, so she doubted she overheard.

What was that all about? Seth? Annie? Suddenly Remien didn't look so guilty anymore.

***

Doubts clouded Angel's mind. They arrived at Alpha 7, Rowie continuing her angry tirade with Remien the whole way. It only took three minutes, but felt longer for Angel. The sensual current running through the Viper was so strong, she was beginning to feel arousal herself. By the time the Viper settled in the docking bay of Alpha 7, Angel wished they would just kiss already.

Now she understood what Rowie meant when she said they all felt like one. Emotions that weren't hers were raging through her.

She heard Remien snicker when she jumped out of the Viper. Rowie was still yelling at him, but Remi turned his head to look at Angel. A lazy grin graced his pretty face. He flicked his fingers, giving Angel a wink a second before the top of the Viper rolled shut, sealing them inside.

Angel just gaped, unsure of what to do. A big hand sliding onto her hip startled her. With a gasp, she turned to see Lucien smiling down at her. His finger came up to her cheek, caressing her gently, giving her chills. His gaze was so intense, she had to look down. She focused on the golden winged insignia over his left pectoral. His bulging left pectoral.

"You look tired. Are you hungry?"

That deep voice... so mesmerizing. His head tilted to the side, sending a cascade of blond hair spilling over one brawny shoulder. If it weren't for the color, she could almost imagine it was Devon's warm body holding her close.

She felt her face flush and looked up into Lucien's pale blue eyes. His sad look made her feel guilty.

"Couldn't you give me a chance? I mean... if you decide not to go through with the priestess thing?"

How couldn't she? Lucien was gorgeous in his own right, gentle, and sweet... but she knew she couldn't kiss him without seeing Devon's face in her mind.

He pulled her against him, making her eyes widen in surprise.

"You don't know that, Angel." His head began to lower. "Let me try...please."

It was the entreaty that undid her, the forlorn way he breathed it... as if she'd break his heart if she refused him.

His lips, though petal soft, felt different, as well as the kiss. His tongue swept into her mouth, hard demanding. She felt the suction on her tongue, the different rhythms he used and intensity. Oh, no. She could never mistake Lucien's powerful kiss for Devon's innocent forays.

He released her, and to her surprise, she found she was trembling. "Someday, when I kiss you" he whispered close to her lips, his fingers cupping her cheeks, "you won't think about him anymore. Then you'll only love me." He smiled. "It'll be nice to have someone love me for a change. I can wait, Angel."

He drew farther away and clasped her hand. Everything around them blurred into liquid color and another room took shape around them.

This time, Angel felt only slightly dizzy. Her attention was captured by Zak, who had his hand over a small round object on the table where he sat. Angel gaped. He wore no shirt, his rippling muscles on display... and a wary look on his angelic face.

"You scared the hell out of me," he blurted.

Lucien's brows furrowed. "And why's that?"

"I didn't feel..." He stopped talking, blinking a few times and then waved his huge hand dismissively. "It's nothing."

"Distracted?" Lucien prodded.

The golden-haired Master Guardian blushed to the roots of his wavy locks.

He stood, making Angel's mouth go dry. Zak's pectorals protruded like meaty squares over a deeply ridged abdomen. His biceps bulged and rippled with power as he pocketed the strange silver ball into his snug black pants. His hips were lean, but his thighs thick, cradling an impressive package. Embarrassed, Angel let her gaze drop to his booted feet. Huge! The man had huge feet to go with his huge body. Angel pitied the poor lover who'd have to bear the brunt of that body thrashing in the throes of passion. The thought made her face burn hotter.

Rowie popped in near them, looking flushed and flustered, her lips very pink and swollen.

Remien appeared with a little flash of fire, smiling from ear to ear, another red handprint on his left cheek to match the one on his right.

By the time Lucien had shown her how to use their food unit, Seth, and Annie had joined them.

When Devon walked in, Lillique behind him, Angel was glad she was already seated. The sight of Devon with this woman had a surge of hurt squeezing her heart.

All eyes fell upon her, making her blush. Lucien's hand squeezed her fingers, offering her a supportive grin, before he glared at the others.

Angel remembered what Annie had said... about being one and feeling the pain of the others around them. Where they feeling her emotions? But she wasn't one of them.

Remien remained staring at her, his green eyes thoughtful.

"Try this." Lucien held up a piece of pinkish fruit to her lips.

One look at Devon revealed his look of shock, then anger. Just because Lucien offered her fruit?

Lillique laughed as Angel took the bite from Lucien's fingertips. She barely registered what the hateful girl threw in her direction as the taste exploded in her mouth. Angel closed her eyes and groaned with pleasure, "Oh, my goddess!" Never in her life had she tasted anything so delightful. More! She had to have more!

She opened her eyes and blushed, realizing her outburst had sounded a little too much like she was being screwed senseless.

Devon's face was flushed, looking for all the world as if she'd betrayed him. Lillique picked up a piece of the fruit and offered it to him. He smacked it out of her hand with a snarl, making everyone gasp.

The slap she gave him was vicious, making Angel wince. Devon did nothing, just kept his head bowed, but from the heavy way he breathed, she could tell he was trying hard not to lose control.

Angel gritted her teeth in fury.

"Fuckin loser," Lillique seethed. "I don't know why I stay with you."

"Here we go again," Seth mumbled under his breath.

Lillique grabbed the bowl of fruit and upended it on Seth's head.

The young were-tiger roared in fury, pushing back from the table to stand. Annie gripped his wrist and implored him to calm down. Casting venomous glares at Lillique's laughing visage, he obeyed, flicking pieces of fruit from his clothing.

Devon grabbed her arm, making her scowl, "You broke up with me. Remember?"

Lillique laughed, tossing back her reddish curls. "Oh, Dev, baby. You and I are going to die together."

Devon recoiled from her. She continued to laugh, an irritating sound for Angel. How she wanted to throttle the bitch.

Get in line—Remien's voice whispered in her mind.

Angel looked around to realize that the weredragon wasn't the only one scowling at Lillique.

She seemed oblivious to the hostility around her, or she didn't care as she picked up another bowl of fruit and scooted over the table to sit in Lucien's lap. He stared at her wide-eyed.

Not waiting for a reaction, she popped a piece of fruit past his lips. "You see, Dev? Why can't you be as docile as Luke here."

"If you like Luke so much, why don't you fuck him instead," Devon snarled back.

Lucien scowled at Devon. "Thanks."

"Sorry," Devon mumbled.

Lillique only laughed louder, "You idiot. Seems to me, Lukey here wants a piece of this boyish girl's ass."

Angel snarled, grabbing a knife from her plate and would have slit the hateful female's throat if Remien hadn't gripped her wrist. "Not worth it, Angie."

Lillique smirked at her, making her temper flare higher. With a toss of her head, she turned back to Lucien. "Good going, Luke. Finally taking your first steps at coming out of the closet."

Lucien's face became mottled with anger. "I'm not gay."

"Easy, babe. No one said you were." She leaned in to his ear and whispered loud enough for everyone to hear, "I know you'd rather fuck someone else's ass, than to have your own reamed."

"That's enough!" Rowie stood from her place across the table. "Leave him the hell alone!"

"Make me," Lillique spat. "Sniveling little slut. You just want all the cocks for yourself."

Rowie made an enraged sound and almost made it across the table if Zak and Remien hadn't held her back.

"Lilli, enough!" Devon ordered.

"What? And not spill the beans that not only did she try to seduce both you and Luke, she also fucked Zak a couple of times before the weredragon showed up and caught her eye?"

Rowie gasped and blushed furiously. Remien blinked, then cast Zak a narrow-eyed glare. Zak's nervous gulp was the only sound in the silence that ensued, his sapphire eyes wide.

Everyone started talking at once.

"Geez, Rem," Zak blurted, "we were drunk, and it was before you came on board, bro. I'd never betray you like that."

But Remi wasn't listening to him. He was glaring at Rowie. "So all this time you withhold yourself from me when you've been friendly with the other men on Alpha 7?"

"Zak, you don't have to apologize..." Rowie gasped in outrage, Remi's words finally sinking in. Friendly? What are you trying to say, Remien Fyre? I'm no whore!"

"That was totally uncalled for," Anniel was saying also. "Devon...no, Lucien, can't we kick her out? She did break up with Dev."

"I knew she'd be trouble the moment she came on board," was all Seth said with narrowed eyes, still wiping the fruit juices from his chest.

Only Lucien and Devon remained silent, Angel watching their expressions. Devon was fuming, and Lucien shook his head, glaring at Lillique coldly. She only laughed.

"Enough," Devon snapped, slamming his fist against the table. "Lilli, I'll set you up wherever you want. I'll give you enough credits to see you comfortable for the rest of your life..."