Dance of Wings (Curse of the Guardians #7)

18. Lucifer

Chapter 18

Lucifer

World’s worst apprentice:

Found another. Dead.

…

World’s worst apprentice:

Before you get pissy, they pledged to Gideon.

Kyle…

Your ability to hunt down Daemons would be more impressive if you didn’t end up killing them.

World’s worst apprentice:

I’m taking that as a compliment.

This is what I get for taking you under my wing. Remind me next time I find a Freshy to kill them instead.

World’s worst apprentice:

C assiel lived in a pompous white building surrounded by private gardens just on the edge of Hyde Park. Councilmembers usually kept their homes secret, but not the Archangel. No, he made sure even toddlers knew that a celestrial lived there. Well, either that or someone with a serious angel fetish. Everywhere you looked there was either a wing or feather motif, from the topiary to the finials along the metal fence.

Dropping from the clouds Lucifer landed on the roof, enjoying as the angel – who’d been apparently standing guard – scrambled into action. Seriously, for beings with wings, they really lacked security in the sky.

“You alright, mate,” he greeted, raising a brow at the spear that was now pointed in his direction. “I’m looking for Scarlet.”

The guard sneered, as if the pointy stick would defend him. “Leave, or face the consequences.”

Lucy snorted, which was probably offensive. The only reason he hadn’t knocked the twat out when he’d landed was because his wings were pink, and Lucy was pretty fond of pink.

“You know Scar, right?” he said, deciding to ignore the spear that was getting uncomfortably close to his chest. “She’s blonde, about five foot four with white wings? No? She’s the one with thick thighs, and seriously stabby vibes.”

“Last warning,” the guard growled, pressing the tip to Lucy’s left pec. “Leave before you feel the wrath of …”

Lucifer drifted to the side so fast the angel gasped. Grabbing the spear by its handle, he yanked before throwing it like a javelin over the side of the building. He’d have been more impressed with the distance it soared if his patience wasn’t waning.

“So, shall we start this again?” he said with a smile that was supposed to be friendly. “I’m looking for –”

“Lucifer?”

Scarlet stood beneath an arch that lead into the building, a male with pale blue wings glaring daggers standing way too close to her. He wore nothing on his upper half but a bandage and bruises, which was cool, because then the fresh bruises he’d add would create a spectrum of pretty colour.

There was clearly tension between them, an animosity that crackled.

“Stupid bitch,” the man muttered beneath his breath. “Your incompetence has invited a Daemon here.”

“You wanna say that louder, mate?” Lucifer took a threatening step forward, only for Scar to appear between them. “Aw, does the pretty boy need protection?” he taunted.

“Lucifer, that’s enough,” Scar said, her tone so severe he wanted to grin before she gave her attention to the blue-winged prick. “Aeron, go back inside.”

His name on her tongue was enough to drive Lucy to homicide.

“Go!” Scarlet barked when the soon to be dead male smirked in victory. “I’ll handle this while you report to Cassiel.”

Aeron sneered at her, and the idea that he’d look great at the end of Lucy’s fist shot through his mind once again. At least until Scarlet clicked her fingers in his face, breaking his rather violent train of thought.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, the wind gently ruffling through the strands of hair that had escaped her braid.

“What does it look like?” he said, looking back over her shoulder to blow Aeron a kiss. “I’m picking up my ball and chain.”

Her jaw clenched, blue eyes darkening to icicles. “Stop antagonising him.”

“But it’s so much fun.” Holding out his hand, he waited for her to take it. He wasn’t sure why his lungs felt like they were encased in cement, the seconds it took for her to decide causing his chest to cinch tighter. “Partners, remember?”

Panic passed across her face, so fast that if he hadn’t been concentrating on her eyes he would’ve missed it. He instinctively brushed across her mark, easing her soul. Scarlet blinked up at him, expression softening for a moment before turning to her familiar glare.

He could easily just grab her before drifting, but he wanted it to be her choice.

“Oh, and you might want to lose the weapons,” he continued. Scar wore only one blade rather than her usual two, and now he knew what he was looking for he immediately spotted her bow.

With her lips pursed she gripped his hand, a look of stubbornness that had him wanting to put her on her knees.

“Suit yourself,” he said. “Don’t blame me if you don’t get them back.”

Her eyes widened a fraction, but before she could move away he tugged her to his chest and disappeared.

SCARLET

Her first thought once her equilibrium had settled was she needed to knee him in the balls, the second was she was going to puke.

“You’ll be okay,” Lucifer whispered, his hand hot as it rubbed against her upper back. She wanted to shove him away, but his warmth was comforting as he pressed his free hand to her forehead.

Feeling her stomach settle, she looked around to find them standing in front of a brick wall with two lanterns, only one lit. “Where are we?”

Lucifer doesn’t step back, continuing to stroke her, and for some reason she didn’t push him away. “This is the Three Headed Dog.”

“No, this is a wall.” Brushing the hair away from her face, she reluctantly turned to face him, only to find him waving at a woman dressed like a walking rainbow.

“Hey Thea!” he called, greeting her with familiarity.

Scarlet stilled as the Fae woman approached, her expression friendly when she turned her smile towards her. “You must be Scarlet,” she said, her hair a stunning pink.

Scar nodded, eyes landing on the small pixie that sat on her shoulder. He was around eight inches, wearing dark blue that complimented the iridescent colours of his wings.

“Luce, you didn’t say your angel looked like this.” The pixie leapt from Thea’s shoulder to hover in the air. “Hi there,” he purred. “I’m Ruhne, and I’d definitely let you eat me.”

Scarlet had never met a pixie, and found herself laughing when he started to pose like a bodybuilder. Glitter sparkled with every flex, sprinkling beneath him.

“You don’t have any genital ailments, do you?” he continued, moving to hover right in front of her face. “You’re supposed to warn prospective lovers.”

Honestly, she was a huge fan of his confidence.

“Stop showing off.” Lucy flicked at him, which gets him the middle finger from the small pixie. “And she’s not a prospective lover you bug.”

Thea shook her head, lips pressed together as she watched the exchange. “Are you both finished?”

The pixie grinned, releasing even more glitter. “Just so you know, I’m tall for my Breed.”

“I think there’s still a little bit of a size difference,” Lucy said, clearly entertained. “She might crush you.”

“Worth the risk.” Ruhne shrugged. “Besides, height is just a number. What’s really important is the size of my cock.”

Lucifer crossed his arms. “I’ve seen your cock. It’s not that impressive.”

Ruhne gasped dramatically. “Take that back!” He flew to Scar’s shoulder, his weight slight, barely noticeable until he tugged on her hair to steady himself.

Lucy cocked his head, his smile teasing. “Or what?”

“Are we here to meet Ilzake or not?” Thea asked, tapping her foot. “Because right now I doubt he’ll even help with you two acting like dickheads. He may even ban us outright.”

Lucifer gave a toothy grin. “Of course he’ll help, especially once he meets my wonderful personality.”

A snort by her ear, which changed into a full chuckle when Lucy turned to him with a pout. “He’s part of the old Fae folk, he’s bound to his word so he won’t ban us if he’s already agreed to the meeting.”

Thea visibly cringed. “Yeah, he doesn’t know yet.”

“Well,” Ruhne said, tugging on Scar’s hair. “He won’t ban me, because we’re like besties now. He’s even promised safe passage back to Asherah when I’m ready.”

Lucy frowned. “Wait, you’re going back to Asherah?”

“Eventually.” Scarlet felt Ruhne shrug.

“Is there a reason we’re here to meet this Ilzake?” she asked. “What has this got to do with Gideon?”

“I thought you said she was your partner?” Ruhne commented, his voice squeaky so close to her ear. “Or is she just pretty to look at but empty upstairs?”

Okay, he’s becoming less funny.

“Shut up, bug.” Lucifer clicked his tongue. “Scar’s here because her Archangel told her to be, isn’t that right, love?” His eyes met hers, as if searching for something.

“Of course,” she answered, her voice hollow. “Why else would I be spending time with you?”

“Ouch.” Lucifer pressed his palm to his chest, pretending to be hurt. “You’re mean.”

Scarlet tried, and failed to hide her amusement, which got her a wink in return.

“Stop flirting, I’m already in enough trouble as it is for this,” Thea sighed, eyes dipping to Scar’s arms. “You’re not going to be able to take the knife inside.”

Scarlet stilled, ignoring Lucifer’s look of ‘I told you so.’ “It’s gold, not iron.”

“Doesn’t matter, some of the older folk are allergic to all metals.” Holding out her hand, Thea waited. “Don’t worry, I’ll give it back.”

Scarlet reluctantly unclipped the knife before handing them over. She didn’t mention her bow, the arrows and limb made from bone.

Thea smiled, the blade disappearing from her palm. “Okay, are we all ready?” Reaching over, she held Lucifer’s arm, and then Scar’s hand. “On the count of three, we’re going to walk through that wall.”

“Walk through the wall?” Scarlet stared at the solid brick.

“Yep!” Thea chirped. “Ready? One, two…”

Thea stepped forward, dragging them all with her.