Chapter 11
I curl into my husband, content, warm, and safe. Every time I close my eyes, I see the creatures who grabbed me, how Rapha came so close to taking me away from Mammon. I looked back, seeing their bodies crash around Mammon as he fought ferociously, fearing not for me but for him.
I squeeze him tighter. I have to keep touching him to remind myself that he”s safe and whole. Eventually, his soft snores reach my ears, but I can”t settle enough to fall asleep.
Climbing gently out of bed so as not to disturb him, I wander downstairs and through the French doors into The Dark Garden of the estate that Mammon calls home—that I call home now.
The light down here is red and shadowed, not pale and bright like in The Above. I sit at the table, wondering what time it is. It”s hard to tell down here where time moves differently.
“You seem disturbed.”
I jump as Lucifer appears across the table. He”s impeccably dressed in an expertly tailored, canary-yellow, three-piece suit, his black skin gleaming in the muted light.
He smirks. “Trouble in paradise?”
“No,” I reply to the lord and master of The Below without bowing or any other sign of deference.
Lucifer”s eyes narrow. ”So, you returned early because Mammon couldn”t bear the risk of being replaced?”
I study the King of Hell closely—master manipulator and a good liar. ”You know that”s not why we returned early. Rapha has reappeared, but I don”t suppose you”d know anything about that?”
”I knew Rapha was back, but I had nothing to do with what occurred in The Above,” Lucifer says, sounding bored. ”I have no interest in that place.”
It”s clear from his reaction and what Mammon told me that Lucifer has no love for The Above. I guess it feels like one step closer to all that he lost when he was cast out of Heaven.
”But I didn”t come here to talk about Rapha. What matters is your husband isn’t doing his job. He needs to get his act together if he wants to keep his position and all its perks.”
A plan forms in my mind. I”ve learned a lot since my father showed me I meant nothing to him. But I have to be strong and not show fear. “If Mammon is falling short of your expectations, perhaps you should consider the possibility that he’s not cut out for this role anymore,” I suggest casually.
Lucifer’s eyes narrow even further, a dangerous glint in their fiery depths. “As I thought. You”re telling me you want me to remove him from his position,” he sneers, his gaze hard and hateful.
“I’m in no position to tell you anything, Lucifer. As you rightly say, you are the King of Hell, with all the power and influence that comes with the title. I”m merely stating that perhaps it’s time for a change.” My voice drips with indifference, but underneath, my stomach roils, and my heart pounds because, yes, I do want Mammon to be released from his duties. I want him to have more time to enjoy the eternity of the life he’s been given without having to worry about the endless churn of reaping souls for Lucifer. If tricking the devil into doing that is what it takes, I”ll be brave and take matters into my own hands. “Maybe Mammon has grown tired of the monotony and would benefit from exploring other endeavors.”
The fallen angel’s expression darkens as he processes my words. He gets off on anguish and heartache, and it”s clear he came here expecting me to cower and plead on Mammon’s behalf after Rapha”s attack. My lack of respect intrigues him. I see it in his expression as he turns away from me, gathering his thoughts.
“And you don’t care if he loses his powers? If he”s never able to return to Hell?” Lucifer leans back in his chair with practiced nonchalance, watching me carefully, waiting to see a chink in my armor.
I smile. ”Sounds like Heaven to me.”
“Heaven,” Lucifer spits. “Don’t talk to me about Heaven. That place isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.”
“I think that”s bitterness talking. After all, you did try to depose God,” I point out. “But to answer your question, I don’t give a flying fart if Mammon is allowed back down here. I’m human, remember? This place isn’t a theme park for me. But wherever we are, my place is by my husband”s side. Still, it would be nice if Mammon had the opportunity to decide for himself. It”s the only way you”ll know if he”s here for you or because of you.” I shrug as if it doesn”t matter one way or the other.
“Are you two whispering about me?” Mammon”s voice interrupts us as he comes out of the house. He”s pulled on shorts that rest low on his hips, drawing my eyes to his deliciously chunky physique like magnets.
Down, Penelope. This is an important moment. This is “Mission Manipulate The Devil.”
“We are, my love. Lucifer came to remind us yet again that you aren’t meeting his expectations because you”re too busy meeting mine,” I say, giving my husband a wicked grin.
Mammon sits beside me and captures my hand, his gaze on Lucifer. “And what do you propose I do about that?”
Lucifer looks a little confused at Mammon”s lack of worry over his future. “Stop prioritizing your wife over your duties, or I”ll find another to replace you and banish you from Hell.”
Mammon nods slowly as if considering Lucifer’s threat. He”s silent for a while before he speaks again. “And what about Rapha? You know he”s back and baying for my blood.”
Lucifer shrugs. ”Not my problem if you leave my service. Rapha”s a loose cannon, but his issue is with you.”
I squeeze my husband”s hand. ”It”s not Lucifer”s fault if Rapha is more powerful than him, Mammon. Like you said, Rapha is an ancient vampire and a force to be reckoned with.”
Mammon”s mouth twitches with a tiny smile as he catches on immediately. He raises my hand to his mouth, kissing my knuckles. ”You”re right, little one. Even omnipotent beings like Lucifer have their nemesis.”
Lucifer”s eyes flash with fury. ”I am The King of Hell. The only being who can challenge me is God Himself!”
Mammon raises a placating hand. ”I meant no insult. I just know from experience what a formidable opponent Rapha can be. He”s come for me unsuccessfully half a dozen times over the last thousand years since I denied his request, and I have to admit that his determination and resourcefulness have always impressed me. I”m merely concerned that, if left unchallenged, he may think he can take on Hell itself.”
Lucifer laughs as if the idea is preposterous. ”As if he could!”
Mammon frowns, drawing out the tension. ”I wouldn”t underestimate him. I”ve seen how quickly he can amass an army.”
”An army would be difficult to stop unless…” I bite my lip and shake my head. ”No, that would never work.”
”What would never work?” Lucifer demands, his attention piqued.
I wave my hand dismissively. ”It”s a silly idea. I mean, Rapha is a vampire, not a demon like Mammon.”
”Not a…” Lucifer”s eyes light up, and he claps his hands. ”Oh, my, what a delicious thought. Are you suggesting I have a vampire reaping souls for me, Portia?”
I laugh. ”I told you it was a silly idea.”
”Yes, it would be difficult to make a vampire a demon of greed,” Mammon says as if it doesn”t matter one way or the other. “I’m not sure anyone could do it.”
”I am the Lord of Darkness,” Lucifer snarls, tossing out another of his monikers. ”I can do whatever the fuck I want!” He taps his chin thoughtfully with a sharp talon. ”And I suppose it would kill two birds with one stone.”
I watch the expressions chase across Lucifer”s face, my heart pounding. He”s intrigued by the proposition, a wicked smile playing on his lips. If Rapha becomes the demon of greed, Mammon will be free of his responsibilities and have the chance to live a different life.
“A vampire turned demon,” Lucifer ruminates. ”It would certainly be an interesting twist.” His gaze sharpens suspiciously on Mammon. “But why should I grant a request that will benefit you and your bride?”
Mammon’s eyes gleam with determination as he looks directly at Lucifer. “Because Rapha possesses an insatiable hunger for power, just as I once did. If you make him the demon of greed, he”ll revel in the power the position affords while he reaps souls for you.”
“And you wouldn’t miss this place or your job?” Lucifer is clearly confused as to why anyone would choose anything other than an existence in Hell.
“Will I retain my powers and my wealth?” Mammon asks, glancing at me.
I squeeze my husband’s hand reassuringly, but a knot of tension lodges in my throat as we wait for Lucifer”s reply.
“I”ll go one better and give you a soul to go with your power and wealth if you deliver Rapha willing and ready to reap me fresh souls to torture,” Lucifer says as though this whole idea is his alone.
Pride blooms in my stomach. He came here to threaten my husband, but I”ve turned that around on him entirely.
And then his words sink in. We have to deliver Rapha willing and ready to reap for Lucifer. Crap. I was hoping Lucifer would take care of that part with his devilish powers.
“All I care about is if I’m able to protect my wife,” Mammon says, turning to look at me. “I don’t care about the rest of it.”
My heart melts.
The devil looks bemused now as if suddenly realizing he”s been played. He chuckles and nods. “I see what you’ve done now, Paige. I should”ve played this differently, shouldn’t I?”
“Yes, you forgot that I wasn’t raised to be greedy but to stand by my husband”s side.” I smile at Mammon. “And while I may not entirely agree with how I was raised, I will always do what”s best for my husband and me.”
“You’re a clever woman, I’ll credit you for that.” Lucifer sighs and leans his elbows on the table. “Tell me, should I have stopped your father from making that bargain all those years ago?”
My eyes widen, and I suck in a breath. “You mean, you could have?”
“Of course. I could have tempted him with something else or not allowed him to meet with Mammon. Did I mess up then? Or was it when I told him that someone else would barter your purity if he didn’t act quickly?” Lucifer looks as though he genuinely wants to know.
“I don’t know, Lucifer. All I know is that it turned out to be a much better bargain than I expected. But the real question now is”—I turn to my husband—”what is your decision, Mammon?” My gaze is curious, but deep down, I know there can only be one answer.
The one that will set us both free.
“I wish you would let me hide you somewhere with my powers and come back for you when it’s all done.”
Mammon paces back and forth, his nerves getting the better of him while I remain calm, knowing he can do this.
Wecan do this.
“I can help you, Mammon,” I tell him. “Plus, wherever you go, I go. This was my idea.”
He shoots me a look. “I don’t like it, Penelope. I’m supposed to keep you safe, not...” He trails off, unable to finish.
“I’m the bait,” I say, refusing to mince words. We don’t have time for this, as Mammon is determined to act immediately and leave The Below for good. I understand: he’s only now found his purpose after serving Lucifer for so long. Neither of us wants to be a prisoner anymore.
“No. Absolutely not.”
“I’m not giving you a choice, Mammon. It’s a good plan, and I’ll follow you either way.” I stand, my fists clenched at my sides. ”We”re in this together.”
He grits his teeth, anger written all over his features. But it doesn’t scare me. I know he”s worried because he loves me.
“You are infuriating,” he finally says, leaving the room. I follow him, as I said I would, and watch as he rummages through some cabinets. He pulls out a small vial. It looks delicate as he shows it to me. “Vein Venom. Very rare. It’s poisonous to vampires. It will incapacitate him, but only for a while. You’ll lure him out, he’ll come to drink on you, and you smash this in his face. It will break easily. Be careful.”
He hands it over, and I tuck it carefully into my jacket pocket.
“Are we all packed, then?” I feel energized instead of afraid. I trust Mammon to protect me, and I trust what we have. We’re going to win.
“Yes,” he sighs in resignation. “Let’s go to The Above.”
When he snaps his fingers, we’re at our estate in The Above, and it’s raining. The gloom of the night is interrupted by a glowing security light outside.
“We need to have a fight,” I say matter-of-factly.
“A fight?”
“Yes, so I have a reason to walk out alone. It’s nearly midnight, and I’m sure Rapha isn’t far away. I’ll be too hard to resist.”
He looks out the window listlessly before looking back at me, his eyes burning with an intensity I”ve never seen before. “Don’t you dare die on me, Penelope. My eternity would be too hard to bear.” His voice is low and gritty, filled with emotion.
I reach for him, planting a kiss on his cheek before whispering an apology. Then I slap his face.
He backs up, grabbing his cheek in shock. I know I haven’t hurt him, but it takes him a moment to realize what’s going on.
“I can’t stand it anymore!” I shout, heading for the door leading out to the pool.
“Where are you going? It”s raining!” he calls from the doorway, looking up at the sky as if he’s allergic to rain.
I try not to hide my amusement at his hesitation to follow me as I place my hand on my hip and twist to look at him. “Anywhere you aren’t. My father locked me up, and I won’t be locked up down there anymore, Mammon.”
My voice resonates with the truth. I”m over being tied to The Below.
Mammon steps out into the rain. “But I love you. I need you.”
I scoff. “If you truly loved me, you’d give up your powers. You’d give it all up for me. Forget about Lucifer and The Below.”
He stares at me for a moment, choking on what to say. If this doesn’t draw his enemy out, I don’t know what will.
“Just as I thought,” I say in disgust. “You have nothing to say because you love being the greed demon more. Don’t follow me.”
I turn on my heel, leaving dramatically as I step over plants and navigate hedges to reach the gate. I’m drenched as I do this, but I act like I’m so mad that I don’t care.
I start down the road in my heels, muttering under my breath, wishing I”d had the wherewithal to put on something more sensible.
Please, come after me, Rapha. I can’t do this again.
A few more paces and a hand comes around my throat, another covering my mouth to muffle my scream. I’m yanked into an alley with a strength similar to Mammon’s.
I temper my breath, knowing it’ll be okay. Mammon is close by, waiting for the right moment.
“Ah, how long I’ve waited for this. I’m going to enjoy Mammon”s suffering as I devour you.” Rapha”s voice is like the hiss of a snake.
I fight like a Hellcat to get away from him, knowing it won”t work but hoping I”m putting on a good show.
Rapha overpowers me easily. “There’s no escape this time, Penelope. I let you go the first time because I wanted Mammon to know I was coming for you. For him. I wanted him to experience a fraction of the torment I”ve suffered since I lost my mate.”
Even though Mammon and I planned this, I”m still terrified. I focus on keeping my breathing steady as I reach for the Vein Venom in my pocket. My hand closes around the vial as Rapha sniffs my neck, licking it like he’s marking his property.
His fangs protrude from his mouth as I turn toward his face. His head dips my throat as he pushes my hair to the side. I strike without hesitation, smashing the vial against the side of his head.
The venom barely coats Rafah’s face before I’m snatched from his grasp and pushed behind my husband.
Rapha hisses and spits as he curls in on himself, sliding down the wall behind him. “What have… you… done?” he demands breathlessly, finding Mammon’s face through the pain. “You know… I will heal… so you”d better… kill me quickly.”
“I don’t want to kill you,” Mammon says, approaching Rapha like the dangerous predator he is. “I want to make a deal.”
“Unless… the deal involves… the death of your mate, I”m not… interested.” He grunts at the pain, but his vampiric healing powers will kick in soon, and then he’ll come for us.
“Um, Mammon?” I whisper, tugging at his sleeve.
“A little busy here, little one.”
I clear my throat. “Yeah, about that. We’re, um, surrounded.”
Mammon’s head whips around to see the army of monsters surrounding us: orcs, ogres, demons, centaurs, gargoyles… the list goes on.
“Did you really… think I was… alone?” Rapha sneers.
“And did you think I wouldn’t have my army at my back?” Mammon asks as his soldiers appear behind Rapha’s.
The two adversaries glare at each other. Demon versus vampire.
Okay, then. Looks like we have ourselves a standoff.
Mammon is the first to break the silence. “I was wrong, Rapha,” he finally admits, spreading his arms wide. ”I didn’t know then. I didn’t know what it was like to love. To have someone you would do anything to keep by your side.”
Rapha stills for a moment before letting out a harsh laugh. He tries to get up, already overcoming the venom’s effects. “So, you plead ignorance… and expect mercy?”
We back up as Rapha finally struggles to his feet and steps toward us. But we can only retreat so far if we want to ensure this ends now. If Rapha doesn’t take the deal, Mammon will be forced to kill him before he fully recovers. And all Hell will break loose. Literally.
”Trust me,” I say to my husband as I step out from behind him. Holding my hands out in front of me, I take a single step toward Rapha. “I’m not a vampire or a demon, Rapha. I’m human, and I have no powers, no agenda other than wanting to protect my husband. Killing me won”t bring your mate back. But we have a solution that might, so please hear us out.”
Rapha looks up at the sky, pouring its wrath down on us, and grins. He moves so fast that I don’t see it coming. One minute, I’m standing beside Mammon, and the next, Mammon is being restrained by two of his goons, and Rapha has his hand wrapped around my throat, my feet dangling off the ground. Edward Cullen, eat your heart out because this guy is faster.
“Hold!” Mammon bellows as his soldiers surge forward to protect their master, knowing Rapha only has to squeeze lightly to crush my windpipe. “Rapha, don’t do this. Please.”
Hearing my husband beg for my life almost cracks my heart in two.
“Take… our deal… and you can… bring your mate… back,” I choke, looking into Rapha’s hypnotic eyes.
Rapha’s eyes narrow as they search mine. Something buzzes in my brain, and I know he’s doing some vampire mind meld thing like Spock does in Star Trek. He’s searching my mind for the truth of my words.
His grip on my throat loosens, but he doesn’t release me as he calls, “Tell me about the deal, Mammon.”
My eyes widen as I look at the vampire holding me hostage, almost sobbing in relief. He’s going to hear us out.
“Lucifer himself has requested you as his new demon of greed,” Mammon says. “My position, my power, my throne, all the things you crave, can all be yours.”
“Why?” Rapha snarls. “Why would you give up all that power?”
“Love,” Mammon answers immediately. “I love my wife, like you loved Drusilla, and living in The Below isn’t good for her. That’s unacceptable because I only want the best for my love. Take the deal, Rapha. You will hold all the power. Enough power to bring her back.”
Rapha sucks in a breath, his mesmerizing pupils dilating with shock as the knowledge sinks in.
“I’m sorry I didn’t restore your soul mate’s life. I’m sorry you’ve lived all this time without her by your side. Let me put things right. Take my place. Penelope and I will disappear. I know I don”t deserve it, but I”m asking anyway. Give me the chance I never gave you. Let us live in peace.”
The minutes stretch endlessly as Rapha makes his choice. Revenge? Or the chance for a fresh start with his mate?
He looks at me and then at Mammon.
And then he drops me. “Sign it in blood, demon.”