Page 68 of Wicked Savior
Eager to tell Lucifer, I rush back, but his office is empty. I return to the bedroom hoping to find him there, but the only thing I see is a large package on the bed with a red bow on top. I stroll over and finger the card on the outside.
Evren,
It would be my honor if you accompanied me to the ball tonight. This dress is guaranteed to bring me to my knees.
Lucifer
Laughing, I lift the lid off the box. Nestled in the delicate tissue paper lies a red dress so dark it almost looks black. Grasping the bodice by the edges, I pull it up and hold it out in front of me. It’s magnificent and fierce. On one side, a sharp point tapers from the bodice into a single strap over one shoulder. The other shoulder is bare. Cut-outs, lined with diamonds, appear in strategic areas along the waist. The dress cascades down to the floor with a split on one side.
It takes seconds to put on the dress. The mirror beckons, and I move to stand in front of it. The hair cascading down my back in waves is the only brightness against the luxurious fabric. The dress is dark and moody and simply spectacular, and it fits my body like a dream.
Who is this goddess looking at me? I don’t even recognize myself. But it’s not the dress. It’s me. For the first time, I feel like a goddess. Powerful and confident. The faint hollow look of loneliness is gone. Instead, my eyes sparkle with life and happiness.
I stride back to the box and find a pair of diamond heels glittering inside, so I slip them on my feet. As I finish, there is a knock at the door.
With a large smile, I open the door, expecting to find Lucifer, but instead a stranger stands there. With rich, chestnut brown hair and light green eyes, he’s immaculate in his perfectly pressed suit. Surprisingly, he’s not a demon, but Fae, I think. He certainly looks Fae, but his magic feels different in some way. Uneasy, I drop my hand to find the knife strapped to my thigh.
Green eyes flick to my hand, then crinkle with approval. “Right idea. Although, I would practice to make it more subtle.” He runs his hands casually down his hips, as if smoothing the material, then whips his hand up. “See.”
I raise the knife in my hand and point it toward him. “Good tip. Now, who are you?”
He chuckles. “Vargas, Lucifer’s commander. I’m here to escort you to the ball.”
I study the man in front of me. He’s not even remotely close to what I expected him to look like. “Proof please.”
“You haven’t seen me because I haven’t had a body, but I watched over you, even led Lucifer to find you after Gabriel plunged a needle into your neck. And you’re right to ask for proof. I used to look different,” he admits with a heavy sigh. His body and face transform into a tall, ferocious looking man with dark hair, a dark complexion, and massive muscles. “This used to be me. I was much more terrifying and fit the role of Lucifer’s commander, don’t you agree?”
I slide the knife into the holster on my thigh. “Yes, this fits your role better, but your new face is incredibly handsome.” With a pat on his hand, I try to reassure him. “And personally, I’m a huge fan of green eyes.” I wink at him to show him mine.
“You think so?”
“I do. Change back for a second,” I order him. When he does, I study the physique of the Fae and compare it to his old one. “Ok.”
“Well?” he asks, desperate to know what I think.
I tap a finger on my chin while I try to figure out how to explain the similarities and differences. “Your old body is fierce with an almost raw masculinity that hints at the brutality underneath. The new one is dominant with a subtle, lethal edge. Warriors, both. Although there is a curious blend of magic with your new body. Demon and Fae, but unique. What is it?”
He leans closer to murmur. “Chameleon. He was part Vindicta Demon, part Dark Fae. It’s an extremely rare trait to inherit. I’m not sure why the combination of Fae and Demon sometimes results in a Chameleon. Maybe you can study it for me and let me know.”
My lips twitch because he’s not wrong. I find myself intrigued by this rare genetic variation. “Maybe. We should go. I’m sure the ball has started by now.”
He changes into his old body. “It’s better if I remain in this form while I’m here in the Underworld. I’ve spent too much time cultivating the right amount of respect and terror.” With a twist of his arm, he holds his elbow out for me to take.
“Thank you for the escort,” I tell him, taking his arm. “Is there a reason you’re escorting me instead of Lucifer?” Disappointment flares.
A sheepish expression crosses his face. “My fault. I sent Lucifer a note to let him know you would meet him at the ball. I’ve been watching you for a couple weeks, and I wanted a chance to speak with you. Alone.”
He pauses for a second. “Bringing you here, into his world, and sharing his plans… it is a huge leap of faith from him. It also puts a spotlight on you. Everyone now knows you are different. Don’t be afraid to be a goddess here. They’ll respect you more for it. Demons like to show off. Humility isn’t a trait we admire.”
His feet slow. “If you want all this, including him, don’t hesitate to claim it. He’s never had anyone fight for him. If they did, he’d be theirs forever.”
I stare up into his dark eyes. “Forever is a long time.”
“I hope so,” he returns with a wistful smile. “I’m counting on it for myself.”
ChapterThirty-Seven
LUCIFER
