A look of hurt flashed in his dark gaze, and it sent me over the edge.How dare he act as if I should cow to him?
I raised my arm and smacked him on the back while using my power to yank his feet out from under him.
His body hit the floor and he let out a softoof. But he didn't resist or fight back, which made my rage climb to new heights. Iwanteda fight. Ineededa fight. Anything to drown out the pain and betrayal swirling in my veins like rancid poison. I slammed a booted foot against his neck, digging deep into the skin.
"You will stay on your belly like the worm you are. Do you think I could ever show you tenderness? That I could everlovesomething like you? I needno one,do you hear? You're lucky I even tolerate your existence." Sweat popped on my brow as my last word echoed in the giant fortress.
Existence. Existence. Existence…
I wanted Malachi to fight back so I could drag his body through the fire only to bring him back to life, to do it repeatedly so I could focus on someone's else’s torture besides my own. Someone needed to pay for the disgusting agony in my heart.
I could make Anna pay.Yes, I could, yet something inside my soul couldn't bear to face her again. And something even more alarming and revolting? I still had a fucking soft spot for her.
Need to cleanse her out of my heart and mind.My, how the tables had been turned. The Devil, betrayed by his own stupidity by a human girl. I would've laughed if I hadn't felt so sick and pissed.
Frothy spit slid from the corner of Malachi's mouth. His wings beat in the air frantically, dislodging loose feathers to float peacefully to the floor as he choked.
"Lucian," whispered Samael. "Whatever is wrong, I swear to you we'll make it right."
My ragged breathing slowed. Samael's calming presence had always soothed me, and it didn't fail this time, either.
He's right. Someone needs to pay, but not Malachi. He has always been loyal.
With an inward shudder, I reached deep inside myself and reeled the seething hate and anger back into my chest. Control is what I need right now, not reaction. My head cleared and I began calculating a wicked plan.
Malachi did not deserve my wrath. He was my brother and a top Chosen. I would redirect my righteous fury to those who deserved it.
Humans. The scourge of all sentient beings. The bane of my existence.
Carefully, I removed my foot.
Malachi let out a hoarse cough and rose to a sitting position, rubbing his neck. He kept his purple gaze on my face. There was a wariness in his face, though.
I held out a hand. "Forgive me, brother. You are undeserving of my anger."
"My Prince." Malachi reached upward and took my hand. "There's nothing to forgive." With a grunt, he stood and bowed his head. "You are my Prince and my friend. I would do anything for you. Just name the deed and it will be done."
"We're going on a little hunting expedition. I want you two at my side for what comes next."
His face lifted. "Where are we going?"
"Earth. There are several humans who are about to experience a little taste of Hell."
Malachi's lips formed an amused smile. "Wonderful. I love the taste of mankind's screams—especially the innocent. Their essence is sweeter than any delicacy or exotic fuck I've ever experienced."
Samael crossed his arms over his chest and tilted his head, creating a pop in his neck. "Lucian, do you think this is wise?"
Something must've changed in my eyes as I listened because he held up a hand.
"Now wait. I'm not implying it's a bad idea. It's just…" He shrugged. "It seemed like you were happier than usual these past few years. What's changed? Why would humanity need a sudden visit from Hell's ruler? I thought we had bigger fish to fry, like Michael and that Nephilim daughter of his?"
His reminder of Phoebe, Michael's offspring, reminded me of my own son, Cain, who was technically half-human and a Nephilim.But he's not the focus right now. He doesn't wear his humanity and flaunt his weaknesses to gain my love.No, he wanted nothing to do with me right now, and I couldn't say I blamed him. I hadn't exactly been father-of-the-universe over all the millennia.
Another problem for another day. Right now, it's time for the sprinkling of justice—hell style.
"I think God's little humans are well past a visit from me. I've gotten careless, but no longer." I snapped my fingers. "Let's have a little fun, shall we?"
Malachi nodded and called forth his weapon from the darkness.
