Page 3 of Prince of Envy

“Where have you been? No one has heard from you in?—”

“Fifty years. Almost fifty-one. I was trapped in a human board game.”

Sitri’s jaw dropped. “You’re kidding.”

I was, sort of. The item I had been trapped in wasn’t original to the sparkly penis Ouija board, but it was still part of the reason I had been able to be released. That and Celeste’s ability to read the dead language that had bound me.

All information that Sitri didn’t need right now.

“I was saved and want to return the favor. But for that, I need your help.” I encapsulated my tale to him while I rummaged through his shiny stainless-steel refrigerator and took out an apple.

He paled slightly. I took a bite from the fruit and savored the tart and sweet notes. I added apples to the list of things that had changed while I was gone, along with streetlights and traffic signs. No longer was there only one type of red, waxy apple with dry, mealy flesh.

“Vass, you’ve been gone a long time,” Sitri said. “Things aren’t the way they used to be. I am not as powerful as I once was. I will do my best, but I can’t promise you the outcome you might be hoping for.”

I didn’t know what I was hoping for or if Sitri would truly be able to give it to me.

What I did know was that the Prince of Lust was reliable and our influences on human minds often correlated for more dramatic outcomes. Leaders of the world had crumbled under lust and envy. Ours was the touch that could make mountains move and seas wither to piles of salt. The mixture turned what could be seen as pleasure into obsession. Obsession was easily influenced into destruction and chaos.

Perhaps on a smaller scale, his help paired with mine would be enough to clear the way for Celeste to achieve her dream, though inspiring her lust would also benefit me. But the look Sitri was giving me said more than he wished. He couldn’t help me because he wasn’t able, not because he didn’t want to.

I watched his shoulders slump as he wandered around his kitchen and checked the hall for any eavesdropping beings. I couldn’t pinpoint the third supernatural presence in the vicinity, but I didn’t doubt Sitri had known it carnally.

“My influence has been lacking,” he finally said, dropping his head in unwarranted shame.

“I’m waiting for a riveting explanation.” I dipped my chin to meet his eyes when he finally looked up. “And remember that I haven’t had a real conversation in half a century, so spare no unsavory detail.”

He made a sound that should have been a humorous laugh, but it was heavy with loss and regret.

“A tale for another time. But the bottom line is that I haven’t been able to perform my tried-and-true powers over others in a long time. So, unless you’re wanting me to extend an invitation to one of the most exclusive clubs in L.A., I don’t know what I can offer you, brother.”

I waited for a secondary option, but it didn’t come. “I don’t believe Celeste would be impressed with The Deacon. No offense.”

“None taken.” He gave a real laugh this time. “You must be very grateful to Celeste to come and request a favor.”

My mouth spread in a smile that even surprised me. Grateful? I was grateful to the sun for existing for as long as it had just so her soul could bless this plane. I was grateful to the hundreds of ancestors she had that carried her DNA until her conception.

I was more than grateful. I was devoted.

“I would bring her the moon if she wished for it. But all she wants is to fulfill a dream. My influence is powerful, but not the right kind for what I want to accomplish. I was hoping to cause a great deal of lust-filled scandals to pave the way for her to win out on her ambitions.”

I tossed the core of the apple into the sink and leaned my hands on the counter behind me.

He narrowed his eyes. “Why?”

“She was made for me. Every speck of her being was gathered from the reaches of the universe into a soul that has been promised and presented for my repentance.”

The power of that proclamation swelled in my chest and caught into a burning fire of need to touch her as soon as I possibly could.

He nodded but didn’t question me. “Then you know what she desires. You don’t need my influence or help.”

Sitri was right. The vibration behind my skin beckoned me to show her that I was what she needed. I looked down the slope of my body and at the hard muscles that stretched the fabric of my T-shirt. Each one was at her disposal for whatever whim she wished. I just had to be there at the right moment.

I took a breath and was about to step through the void when my ears perked at a sound coming from down the hall.

“Vassago?” It was Sitri’s angel, Ezequiel.

“Watcher.” I acknowledged him with a nod.

---