Chapter 14
I continued unpacking while Malphas was away, trying not to think too hard about the fact that my boyfriend was literally in hell conducting demonic business. It was just another day in our increasingly bizarre relationship.
An hour passed, then two. I finished unpacking the kitchen supplies and moved on to arranging my books on the shelves Malphas had built for me. The domesticity of the task contrasted sharply with the supernatural events of the day.
By the third hour, I was starting to worry. Malphas had said he’d be back in about an hour, and he was typically punctual to a fault.
Just as I was considering whether there was a supernatural hotline for checking on delayed demons, the living room air shimmered again. The portal reopened with a crack like thunder, and Malphas stepped through alone.
He looked… different. His clothing was no longer the casual jeans and button-down he’d been wearing earlier but something darker, more formal—black armor-like material etched with symbols that hurt my eyes if I looked directly at them.
A cape or cloak of some material I couldn’t identify draped from his shoulders, moving slightly even though there was no breeze.
Most striking was his demeanor. This was Malphas in his full demonic glory, radiating power and authority in a way that made the air feel heavy.
“Hey,” I said, trying for casual despite the otherworldly being now standing in our living room. “How was work?”
Malphas blinked, his glowing red eyes gradually softening as they focused on me. “Work,” he repeated, as if the word was unfamiliar. Then he smiled, his imposing presence diminishing slightly. “Work was… necessary.”
He rolled his shoulders, and the formal attire seemed to melt away, replaced by his normal clothes. It happened so smoothly I wondered if the armor had been an illusion all along.
“Sorry I’m late,” he added, crossing to where I stood. “Political situations are always more complex than anticipated.”
“Everything okay?” I asked, reaching up to touch his face. His skin was hotter than usual, almost feverish.
He leaned into my touch, his eyes closing briefly. “It is now. There were… questions about my current situation. Concerns about my focus and loyalties.”
“Because of me?” I guessed, remembering what his lieutenants had said.
“Partly,” he admitted. “And partly because of Gary’s influence. Some feel I’ve become too… human.”
“Is that a bad thing?” I asked quietly.
Malphas opened his eyes, the red glow dimmer now, hints of hazel returning. “It should be, by demonic standards. But I find I don’t care as much about demonic standards as I once did.”
He pulled me against him, his arms encircling me in a embrace that felt both possessive and somehow vulnerable. “I had to remind them who and what I am,” he murmured against my hair. “That my power is undiminished, even if my interests have… expanded.”
The image of Malphas demonstrating his demonic power made me shiver. “How did you do that?”
A small, dark smile played across his lips. “It’s better you don’t know the details. Suffice to say, my authority is no longer in question.”
I should have been disturbed by the implications, but instead, I felt a perverse thrill. The reminder of what Malphas truly was—the power he commanded, the fear he could inspire—was oddly arousing.
“That’s… good,” I said, my voice slightly hoarse.
Malphas tilted his head, studying me with those inhuman eyes that saw too much. “You’re not afraid,” he observed. “Even after seeing me like that. Even knowing where I’ve been, what I’ve done.”
“Should I be?” I asked, meeting his gaze steadily.
“Most would,” he said. “Most should.”
“I’m not most people,” I reminded him, pressing closer. “And you don’t scare me, Malphas. Not anymore.”
Something flashed in his eyes—satisfaction, relief, desire, all mixed together. “Perhaps you should be scared,” he growled, his voice dropping to that demonic register that made my skin prickle. “Perhaps you’ve forgotten what I truly am.”
His hands tightened on my waist, and suddenly I was lifted, my back pressed against the wall, feet dangling above the floor. Malphas held me there effortlessly, his body caging mine.
“Is this what you had to show them?” I asked, breathless but unafraid. “Your power? Your dominance?”
“Among other things,” he murmured, his mouth tantalizingly close to mine. “Would you like a demonstration?”
The question was serious despite its playful delivery. I could feel the barely restrained power thrumming through him, more evident than ever before. This wasn’t my domesticated demon who fretted about lawn care—this was Prince Malphas, Commander of Forty Legions.
And god help me, I wanted him.
“Yes,” I breathed, arching against him. “Show me.”
Something dark and hungry flashed across his face. “Are you sure? I’m not entirely… myself right now. The lower realms affect me.”
“I’m sure,” I said, wrapping my legs around his waist. “I want all of you, Malphas. Every part.”
That was all the permission he needed. His mouth crashed against mine in a kiss that was nothing like his usual controlled passion. This was primal, almost feral, his tongue demanding entry, his teeth nipping at my lower lip hard enough to sting.
I responded with equal fervor, my hands gripping his shoulders, pulling him closer. He growled—an actual growl that vibrated through his chest—and suddenly my shirt was torn open, buttons flying.
“I liked that shirt,” I gasped as his mouth moved to my neck, biting and sucking with an intensity that would definitely leave marks.
“I’ll buy you a hundred more,” he rumbled against my skin. “Right now, I need to taste you.”
His hands were everywhere, shoving fabric aside, seeking bare skin with an urgency that took my breath away. My jeans were next, the button popping off as he tugged them down my legs. I helped kick them away, now dressed only in boxer briefs that did nothing to hide my arousal.
Malphas stepped back slightly, his eyes raking over me with unconcealed hunger. “Mine,” he growled, the single word filled with possessive intent.
“Yours,” I agreed, feeling oddly powerful despite my vulnerable position. “But you’re overdressed.”
A feral smile curved his lips. “Then undress me.”
I reached for him, pulling his shirt over his head to reveal that magnificent crimson torso. My hands explored the familiar terrain of his chest and abdomen, tracing the subtle patterns in his skin that became more prominent when he was aroused.
As I unbuckled his belt, I noticed something different—the markings on his skin were glowing faintly, pulsing with an inner light I’d never seen before. The effect was mesmerizing, beautiful in an otherworldly way.
“You’re glowing,” I murmured, tracing one of the patterns with my finger.
“A side effect of the lower realms,” he explained, his voice tight with restraint. “My true nature is… closer to the surface.”
“It’s beautiful,” I told him honestly, pushing his jeans down his powerful thighs.
When we were both down to our underwear, Malphas lifted me again, carrying me to the sofa. But instead of laying me down, he sat, positioning me to straddle his lap.
“I want to watch your face,” he said, his hands gripping my hips. “Want to see your pleasure.”
I settled against him, gasping at the friction as our clothed erections pressed together. His hands moved to cup my ass, kneading the flesh through the thin cotton of my boxers.
“These need to go,” he murmured, and with a sharp tug, the fabric tore away like tissue paper.
“Hey!” I protested, though the display of strength sent heat coursing through me. “You can’t just destroy my underwear.”
“I can,” he countered, his smile predatory. “And I will.” His own boxers vanished with similar efficiency, leaving us both naked, skin to burning skin.
One large hand wrapped around both our cocks, stroking slowly. The sensation of his heated flesh against mine drew a moan from deep in my throat. His other hand slipped between my legs, fingers teasing at my entrance.
“Lube,” I gasped, not wanting to interrupt the moment but also not eager for friction burn in sensitive places.
Malphas’s eyes flashed, and suddenly his fingers were slick with something warm. I raised an eyebrow, and he had the grace to look slightly abashed.
“Demonic ability,” he explained. “Convenient in situations like this.”
“You never mentioned that trick before,” I observed, gasping as one finger breached me carefully.
“I try to limit my supernatural abilities in the bedroom,” he said, working me open with practiced skill. “Seems unfair otherwise.”
I laughed breathlessly. “Your entire existence is unfair. You’re literally sex on legs.”
His smile was pure sin. “Flattery will get you everywhere.”
By the time he had three fingers inside me, I was a writhing mess in his lap, rocking back against his hand while still grinding against his cock. His eyes never left my face, watching every expression of pleasure with intense focus.
“Malphas,” I finally gasped, beyond teasing, beyond pride. “I need you inside me. Now.”
“As you wish,” he murmured, withdrawing his fingers. He positioned me over his impressive length, the head pressing against my prepared entrance. “Take me at your pace.”
I sank down slowly, the familiar stretch and burn making me gasp as I adjusted to his size. Malphas’s hands gripped my hips, not guiding but supporting, letting me control the descent.
When I was fully seated, both of us breathing heavily, I looked into his eyes. They were completely red now, glowing with supernatural light, but I wasn’t afraid. This was still my Malphas, just… more so.
“You’re magnificent,” he breathed, one hand coming up to cup my face. “Do you know what it does to me? Seeing you take all of me like this?”
I rolled my hips experimentally, drawing a groan from both of us. “I have some idea.”