Page 43 of Ashes to Ashes

“And love?”

His face twisted into a grimace. “As I mentioned, it’s not necessarily love that a demon would feel - that is an emotion reserved for those pure of intent.”

The bed seemed to spring up as she rolled away from him.

“What I can promise you is that you are mine.” He sat up. “Mine to draw pleasure from. Mine to give pleasure to. Mine to protect from those who would try to steal you away.”

When there was no change of expression on her graceful features he realized there was something no one but he could offer. “Your mother.”

“What about my stepmother?” She sneered, and even that sound was thrilling to him.

“You once expressed wanting to drag her down to Belial to pay for her punishment. Though you’ve dispatched him from the realm, it is a boone I would grant in exchange for your promise of at least one hundred years.”

“I’d be dead long before then.”

“That wasn’t a no.” he knew his lips pulled up into a smirk.

“It’s a no because I want my life.”

“Trust me, as a halfling you only appear to age. You’ll stop in a year or so based on your outward appearance. Then you’ll be long-lived for centuries after.”

“So let me go over your offer.” She sat up, leaning forward on her hands while bracing herself upright with her knees on the mattress. “You’re offering me power, riches, the ability todestroy the bitch that brought me here, and all that for only a fraction of my life if I want to leave when it’s done?”

Leviathan noticed the curve of her lips and tugged her forward, pressing her against his chest.

“I believe that tone in humans is called agreement.” Leviathan captured her lips, kissing her as another reminder of his folly and her freedom.

“Then yes, let’s go get that woman who caused my world to shatter. Then we can discuss your offer.”

CHAPTER 22

“Don’t move.” Leviathan urged, his voice holding a commanding tone once they were both dressed.

Suddenly, a piercing scream tore through the air, sending shivers down her spine. In an instant, the room seemed to split in half as a strange blur appeared in the center, revealing a white stone building that bore a striking resemblance to her own house. The walls of the room shook with the force of the scream, making the very air vibrate with fear and confusion. She couldn’t believe her eyes as she watched the strange anomaly unfold before her. It was like something out of a dream, or perhaps a nightmare. Her heart raced as she tried to make sense of it all, but before she could even process what was happening, everything went still and silent once again.

“This is your way home,” he leveled a piercing stare at her. “You are by all accounts, free to step through this portal and never return. My powers will do nothing in your realm.” His gaze shifted to something almost pleading. “It is my hope that you will discuss returning with me again once this is over.”

Everything she’d wanted since coming to this nightmare realm was right in front of her.So why are you so caught up in Leviathan’s ask?

Even as her body damn near hummed with extra energy from her orgasms, she knew nothing was certain. He offered her the opportunity to make her stepmother pay. She needed to see him make good on that and not just epic sex if she was going to accept a part of herself she barely understood.

A darker part that scares you if it means you’re like the creatures here.

Leviathan stepped through first, and Ashe gasped as his wings disappeared as he stepped through. He held his hand out, the was act at odds with his cruel nature and even weirder as his hand appeared to come out of nowhere. For all she could see, he was human now, even his horns were gone.

Taking a risk, Ashe set her hand in his, half expecting pain as she stepped through the portal. None came, and she merely emerged into a world that was both familiar and foreign to her. The instant change in atmosphere was jarring, the suffocating heat of the demon realm replaced by the cool, crisp air of the human realm. She blinked, dazed by the sudden brightness of the sun, and took a deep breath, inhaling the scents of home. The damp earth, the blossoming flowers, and the nearby lake’s freshness seemed to wrap her in a comforting blanket she hadn’t known she’d needed.

Ashe glanced around, her heart pounding in disbelief.

Before them was the sprawling estate she had left behind when she’d been ripped away. It was a testament to her family’s wealth and prominence. The mansion, with its towering spires and gleaming windows, loomed over the impeccably manicured gardens. Fountains danced amidst the maze-like hedges, the sounds of their splashing water soothing her frayed nerves. The scent of jasmine and roses filled the air, intoxicating and comforting all at once.

“You really did it.” Ashe breathed, her voice trembling with something she couldn’t put her finger on. She let her gaze move from the house to him.

The contrast between the demonic form he wore and the opulent surroundings was jarring, but Ashe knew better than to comment. They were, after all, in her world now. “Thank you,” she said, her voice continuing to shake with emotion. “For bringing me here.”

Leviathan shrugged, but she could see the pleased expression in his eyes. “I keep my word, Ashe. Besides,” he purred in her ear, “I’m not done with you yet, and your stepmother seems to be exactly what I need.” He tugged her against him. “I promise you, the boost you’ll get from what happens here will not scare you.”

She wasn’t going to ask how he knew she might be even the slightest bit afraid to see the woman again.

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