Page 7 of Wicked Dreams

She was right. She’d never been his. She’d beenmine.

My mind drifted back over to the years to the moment my world shifted.

“Donavon, His Dark Majesty wishes to see you in the throne room,” Abe, one of my fellow guards and best friend, called out to me in his deep voice. I looked up from sharpening my blade.

“He said to hurry,” Abe said pointedly.

“Did he say why?” I asked, stuffing the blade in the sheath at my side and adjusting my black attire.

“New arrival. That’s all I know.” Abe shrugged. “But he was firm. You best get there now.”

I knew if the king was beckoning me, I’d best make haste. I hurried through the black citadel, nodding at the demons I knew. When I reached the massive, charred doors to the throne room, I adjusted my collar and drew in a deep breath.

“Are you ready to enter, Sir Donovan?” a guard at the door asked, his face hidden beneath his black armor.

“Yes.” I nodded, steeling myself. It was one thing to hang out and chat with the king. It was quite another to be called to him. If we weren’t sharing liquor, then it was usually a bad circumstance. Lucifer tended to be short-fused. I racked my brain wondering if I’d somehow pissed him off. Nothing came to mind.

The door swung open, revealing the slick, black marble floor. I looked forward, my head held high, to see the king sitting on his obsidian throne, his eyes blazing red.

“Donovan,” he greeted in his thick, polished voice as I quickly approached and fell to a knee before him and bowed my head. “I’m always impressed with how bloody fast your response time is.” Even millennia after, his tone retained that old, otherworldly timbre that most closely resembled a British accent.

“My Lord.” I looked up at him. He was a beautiful creature with dark hair and flawless, ivory skin. He looked heavenly. Although if he ever heard anyone say that, he’d push his blade through their chests so fast they’d crumble to ground before being able to rush out a plea for forgiveness.

“My most trusted friend,” his voice was a deep, appraising growl as he smiled down at me. “And most lethal guard. I’ve summoned you here because I’ve been given a gift.” He grew quiet before letting out a soft chuckle. I rose to my feet and regarded him motionlessly, waiting for him to continue.

“I should clarify.” His red eyes focused on mine. “I may have taken advantage of the gift. That being said, my new toy needs protection from the bloody angels. You see, they’re going to think me a wanker for having done what I did. But you know me.” His lips quirked up into a wide, mischievous grin. “Sometimes I just can’t help myself.”

“You know you have my blade, my lord. It’s sharpened and ready for your direction.”

“Ah, too true.” He gave me an affectionate smile.

“Guards!” he called out to the guards standing post over a door opposite of where I’d entered. A moment later, the door opened, and a dark form cloaked in a robe entered the room with two guards flanking it. With the hood drawn, I couldn’t make out a thing about the figure except it had to be a female. Her form was slight, and she moved across the floor as if she was gliding—all graceful and perfect. But despite the graceful, lithe steps, she could be a cave demon for all I knew. And those bastards were ugly. It would explain the covering over her body.

“Donovan,” Lucifer called out to me as his arm snaked around the dark form’s waist. “I’d like you to meet your new charge. This here is Olivia.” He reached out and pulled her hood down, revealing a goddess with hair the color of lava. I let out a sharp gasp as her brilliant, green eyes fell on me. I’d never seen anyone so beautiful in my existence. And I’d been around for a long fucking time.

“Beautiful, isn’t she?” Lucifer cooed, his finger gently brushing against her perfect, porcelain skin. She didn’t even flinch beneath his touch. Her eyes remained fixed on me, no trace of emotion on her pretty face. She was tough. It didn’t take a genius to figure that out about her. It only made her more beautiful in my eyes.

“She is a beauty.” I cleared my throat quickly and looked back to the king, sneaking a peek at her again. Her eyes had moved and were now focused somewhere over my head. “What would my lord have me do?”

“You are to be by her side when I am not,” Lucifer said, turning his attention to me. “Keep her company. Keep her safe. I’d be very upset if I lost my prize.” His last sentence was clipped, his eyes burning brighter as he stared at me.

“I understand, my lord.” I swallowed hard and glanced at Olivia. What had she done to find herself in the devil’s clutches? The world had to be weeping at its loss.

“Wonderful!” Lucifer clapped his hands together before he let one fall to the small of her back again. “She needs to be taken to the palace fitter so gowns can be made. See to it she makes it there. Afterwards, entertain her. Show her around. Have fun with her.”

“My Lord.” I nodded my understanding at him, trying not to grind my teeth. He’d beckoned me to be a babysitter. I was his right-hand man. And now, a fucking babysitter. It didn’t matter she was beautiful. I’d be the laughing stock of the army.

I held out my arm for Olivia to take. She glanced at me before looking at the devil for permission.

“Go on. Donovan will take good care of you. He’s my most trusted friend.” The devil’s eyes fell on me as she took a step forward and took my arm. I bowed my head to the devil and moved to guide Olivia out of the throne room when the he called out to me.

“Donovan?”

“Yes, my lord.” I turned back to him, Olivia still on my arm.

“When I said have fun, I meant not too much. I plan on making her my queen. If she is touched in any way that causes me anger, if her virginity is taken, I will be rather upset. You understand, yes?”

“Of course, my king. I understand,” I said solemnly. “You have my word.”

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