My father had made sure.
Doesn’t matter. Humans are no longer my people. I belong to the Fallen.
Lucian had taken me in when I had no one else, and I owed him everything. If ever a flicker of guilt arose when I claimed lives, I forced myself to remember it wasn’t Lucian’s fault, but Adam and God. Those two had cursed my existence, and it gave me immense satisfaction knowing, for every soul I siphoned, Lucian’s army grew and Heaven’s army shrank. At least for a while.
Lucian treated me as a brother and had even bestowed on me a sacred gift—his demonic energy—even though I wasn’t technically an angel.
Phoebe shot to her feet and outstretched her hands to the air as if trying to feel through the black of the cave.
With a quick blink, I appeared directly in front of her, ensuring she’d stumble into my chest.
She let out a squeal then jerked away.
“Naughty Phoebe, trying to rush off before we’ve even had a decent conversation.” I let my gaze travel her form. Small and toned, she had the body of an athlete or dancer. “Do you know how long it has been since I’ve spoken with a human?” I chuckled. “Well, perhaps I exaggerate. I mean, I have spoken with them, but it’s usually a one-sided conversation because they’re too busy dying.”
Her eyes widened, the whites a stark contrast against her irises to my enhanced vision. This close, tiny amber flecks in her brown irises glinted like jewels. It was quite an intriguing combination coupled with her light complexion and pink hair.
“Please. I won’t—”
“There’s that word again.” I tsked. “You should never beg anyone for anything. It puts you under their power.” Reaching outward, I gripped her shoulder and yanked her flush against me, then lowered my mouth to her ear, inhaling roses and the ocean.Delicious.
She stiffened but didn’t pull back.
I had to give it to her—Phoebe kept her shit together.
“Whatever,” she spat. “Get your hands off me, psycho.”
“Ah, finally. Some backbone.” I snorted then darted my tongue to taste her skin. Sweet.
I expected her to back away, but instead, she threw herself against me and jutted her head upward, smashing the tip of my nose.
The unexpected pain, instant and sharp, made me lose my grip on her and the shadows blocking the entrance.
Fucking hell, that hurts.
She darted toward the light at the opening.
Ugly anger rose within, and I gave chase, foregoing my power, physically needing to get my hands on her again so I could choke the life from her lovely throat.
How long has it been since a person bested me?
Years, at least.And they weren’t even human.I was pathetic, letting this scrap of a girl momentarily get the upper hand.
“Stop.” I threw up a palm and curled my fingers into a fist, wrapping her in tendrils of shadow and letting them squeeze her chest hard enough to cause pain, but not enough to kill her. Yet.
She’d made it a few inches past the cave’s exit and stood with her back to me, arms stiff at her sides.
Pretty or not, it was time totake. Lucian would be pleased with such a shining soul—barely blemished. If Malachi had sent her, even better. Killing one of his spies would teach him not to toy with me.
Taking my time, I stepped around her and into the sunbeams shining through the leaves. Dappled light landed on her face, brightening her skin and eyes, revealing her breathtaking, exotic features. Skin-tight pants accented her curvy hips.
She really is a beautiful creature, full of spunk and bravery. Too bad she’s about to die.
I lifted my eyes to hers. “I let no one go, Precious.”
Unable to speak or move, she only stared at me, anger or hate flashing in her tawny stare.
Chuckling, I leaned closer, wrapped her throat with my fingers, and tilted her jaw upward, ensuring she couldn’t miss the tattoo around my eye.
