Page 11 of Fallen Angels

My eyes continue to scan the room until they rest on a bed that takes up the center. The bed is large—it could easily accommodate at least three adults. Sheets of the purest silk and a mountain of cream-colored pillows decorate the mattress. But it’s the headboard that draws my attention. Gold chains glowfaintly with magic, meant to restrain someone to the enormous bed.

Something shifts in the corner of the room. I turn to face whatever is lurking there, but I see nothing. At that exact moment, I feel the slightest of touches on my shoulder. I jump as if someone has struck me hard. And a man chuckles. The sound is like the whisper of bells in a summer breeze.

I turn and that’s when I see him.

His hair is as fair as the curtains that drop from the ceilings. Darker than mine by merely a shade or two. The golden hue of his skin contrasts sharply with his white robe and captivating green eyes. Lush lips and slender brows complement the regality of his features.

“Angel,” he says as huge, white feathered wings unfurl from his back, arching out ten feet in each direction. I feel my eyes widen as I take in their incredible beauty. He flaps them a few times and the wind carries across my face, bringing with it the clean yet woodsy scent of the man, himself.

Variant is far more beautiful than any male or female has the right to be. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t going to kill me.

“You do realize it’s common courtesy to bow before your king,” he continues as he offers me a smug smile and his wings retreat into his back. My heart starts pounding with anxiety as I realize my mistake. Regardless, I won’t ever refer to him as my king.

“What do you want from me?” I demand.

“Ah, now where are your conversational skills,” he replies with a practiced smile.

I raise my chin, trying to hold on to some semblance of pride as he stalks toward me. The nearer he comes, the more my heart races and the more my breath runs the opposite direction. I’m terrified of him, but I don’t want him to see my fear.

“I’m not interested in making light and useless conversation,” I answer.

He walks right up to me, invading my personal space. I don’t flinch when he touches my face. He doesn’t say anything for a while, just stares at me and in staring at me, I can see the admiration in his eyes.

“You are stunningly beautiful,” he announces.

“All angels are,” I respond. I swallow hard as I glare back at him. “Case in point.”

He smiles, accepting the compliment. “Yes, while this may be true of our race in general, I would dare to say you are the most beautiful angel I have ever beheld.”

“How can you even consider me to still be an angel,” I demand, hoping he doesn’t already know my secret.

“Why would I consider you anything but?”

“Because you had my wings removed. And an angel without wings,” I start.

“Is still an angel,” he interrupts. He continues to stare at me, inspecting me with a curiosity that causes my breath to catch. He glances down, following the lines and curves of my body. Then he reaches out and trails the swells of my breasts, down to my stomach with his index finger.

His touch sparks something inside me that’s out of place beside the anger and repulsion that I feel for him. Lust. I close my eyes against the force of my desire, as I wonder why the Succubus is acting up again. She just had Baron… but somehow the need inside me wasn’t satiated. Yes, Baron fed me but I don’t feel… full. I still feel that same burning need and now it wants to slake itself on the false king.

“A lock of black?” he asks as he reaches forward and snags the piece of black hair that hangs in my face.

“What of it?” I demand.

He studies the black hair, his eyes narrowed and calculating. I don’t know if he knows I’m part Succubus. Can he sense it? Dragan, Baron and Cambion certainly couldn’t but maybe Variant can?

Or maybe he can’t.

“Why do this to yourself?” he asks as he drops the hair, apparently believing I simply dyed it.

“To represent the trials and tribulations I’ve faced,” I respond immediately, figuring he gave me an out so I should run with it. I definitely don’t want him to find out I’m Succubus. I have a feeling it wouldn’t help my cause.

“Trials and tribulations, eh?” Variant asks as he faces me with renewed interest. “Tell me, beautiful creature, what business could two fallen kings have with a broken angel?”

Twofallen kings?

I realize then that Variant doesn’t realize Baron is among our group, although it’s just a matter of time until he sees Baron and quickly figures it out.

“I don’t know,” I answer, holding my head up straight and high. I won’t crack in front of him. I’ll hold onto my dignity as long as I can.

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