The Inferno

Chapter 18

The Enforcers

N ow finally alone, I waste no time rummaging through Alexis’ bag.

I pull out the neatly folded clothes: dresses, tops and pants, all become quickly discarded around the room until the bag is finally empty and my shoulders slump in disappointment.

There’s nothing. No note, no potion…

I glance across the bathroom, now covered in heaps of clothes and toiletries, when I spot something. The corner of a picture frame peeking out of a purple jumper.

I curl my fingers in and the object comes flying towards me. When I turn it over, I almost sob at the image. The last team picture we took together of us all . Everyone is there.

Even him.

I push past the tightening in my chest, running my fingers over their faces once before turning it over and opening the back. A small, pale lilac piece of paper, folded over and over, is wedged there.

Tentatively, I remove it. Glancing around the room one more time, trying to see if I can somehow sense if I’m alone, before opening it.

Jasmine,

I’m so sorry this has happened.

I want to write you an essay, a novel, explaining why I’m sorry but I don’t have time on my side. So instead, I’ll say this. We love you, so much. We would never do anything to harm you, please remember that.

By now, you’ll know what we did, what we asked the vampire to do. Please don’t hate us. Please, Jasmine.

A tear slips down my cheek, tinging the corner of the note as I continue.

We couldn’t let you die and now… well, they took you. I can only assume they’ll be taking you to the Council. I wish we had more time to prepare you better and you’re not going to like what I write, but it’s how you’ll survive.

Do whatever the enforcers say.

They might be the only thing keeping you alive right now and you need to somehow get them on your side. If anyone can, it’d be you, Jasmine. I mean, you somehow got all of us to love you.

A sad laugh bubbles out of me, followed by a small sob.

Please don’t let your pride, or stubbornness, get the better of you. For some reason, they saved you, and now you need to save yourself.

Go to the Council. Do whatever they ask. Then get yourself back home, to us.

Love you, always, Alexis.

My eyes dart over the delicate scribbles one more time, until the corners begin to curl and blacken. More tears fall as I watch the letter burn with a small lilac flame. I let it disintegrate in my hands, and watch as the soft ash slips through my fingers.

What is wrong with me.

What the actual fuck is wrong with me?

I spent the night with the dark fae.

An enforcer.

Whilst my family are going out of their minds with worry.

I feel sick. My chest aches.

I grip the picture, careful not to crumple it as I push it back in and place it at the bottom of the bag.

“I’m so sorry. I’ll do better,” I murmur to the image, my eyes darting over them all, even August.

Just thinking his name makes my stomach churn painfully. I grip the counter and take a few settling breaths, then I glance up into the mirror before me.

My eyes flare bright red and I immediately stand up taller. I run my fingers gingerly over the skin of my throat and chest, before undoing the robe and searching the rest of my body.

Everything has been healed. There isn’t a single blemish upon my skin which seems to have a pearly glow emanating from it.

“You’re taking an awfully long time.”

Julien's voice sends a rush of pleasant heat along my spine. I openly shiver knowing he isn’t here to see it but I note how my eyes flare in the mirror due to his deep tone.

“I just needed a moment alone,” I explain, cringing slightly at the frustration tinging those words as I glance at the picture once more, remembering Alexis’s words , ‘get them on your side’ . “Sorry, are we in a rush?”

“If we don’t want to be, no. ”

Great, another vague response. I roll my eyes in the mirror and attempt to run a hand through my knotted hair. Going to sleep with wet hair was never a good choice.

“Do I have time to shower before we leave?”

My question causes another flare of heat under my skin. I watch as a pink flush colours my chest and cheeks, I gasp at the sensation, thankful he can’t hear the sound.

“Yes,” is his strained response, and it somehow makes the heat in my body intensify, just imaging this calm, collected vampire suddenly struggling to control himself over the thought of me showering.

“Thank you.” I cringe, hoping that wasn’t too much as I move towards the shower and turn it on. Steam soon fills the room and I already feel my muscles easing.

“There’s a dress in the room for you, you’re expected to dress formally for the Council and from what I’ve seen you in, I doubt your friend has sent anything of that calibre.” His teasing voice has me shivering as I enter the hot water, it almost makes me forget that he said there’s a dress in the room, the room I didn’t feel or hear anyone enter.

It reminds me of just what I’m dealing with, my power bubbles almost in agreement.

“Do my outfits of choice offend you?” I smile to myself as I ask the question, now lathering my hair with a thick shampoo that smells divine.

Where has this playful version of myself come from? I remind myself that this is all a part of Alexis’ plan, that’s all. But when his deep chuckle somehow transcends mentally, my stomach twists and my skin burns.

“Little Empath, you have no idea how much I enjoy those little dresses of yours but knowing you’ll be wearing something I have given you; it makes my fangs ache.”

Holy fucking Goddess.

My entire body shivers at his possessive words and a deep burning begins between my thighs. How the fuck did his words make me react like that? He’s not even here, he’s in my head, and yet my skin is crawling with need .

“Why so quiet?” His words are lit with a teasing humour, and the casual tone makes my blood boil once more.

The need for release is unbearable but when I even think about that, a jolt runs over my skin which makes me hiss aloud. That fucking asshole.

“I just really need to finish my shower now,” I blurt out, washing out the shampoo and urgently grabbing the conditioner. Somehow feeling more vulnerable to his voice whilst I’m completely naked.

“You’re showering, at this very moment, whilst speaking to me… ” he quietly growls.

It’s not a question, he knows, and in that statement, I can somehow see exactly what he’s thinking, my naked body, partly covered by thick steam, long red hair, wet and silky, as it glides along my back, piercing red eyes breaking through the mist, half lidded and filled with lust.

My blood seems to like that image, and the sound of his growl, because I am gasping for air when another rush of warmth devours my body.

“I’m going to try that wall thing now, ” I rush out, and immediately, I begin to clearly picture a large, brick wall, ten, no, twenty feet tall, towering so high that it finally reaches some sort of ceiling. It forms quickly, brick by brick and a satisfying click seems to echo around my mind when it’s finally complete.

I glance around the steam filled room, waiting to see what voice will appear next, but they don’t. I sigh with utter relief, allowing the water to soothe me once again whilst quickening finishing my shower.

When I enter the bedroom, I’m cautious. I search every space like it’s a threat but I quickly realise nothing has changed, even the bed covers are still rumpled from… well, let’s not linger upon that.

I plop Alexis’ bag onto the bed, forcing myself to ignore the image that comes to life— Sai’s intense gaze sweeping sinfully over my body— and quickly rummage through the items.

Alexis is smaller than I am, but I can see she’s really tried to pack clothing in my size, resulting in the black sports bra and gym shorts I’m clad in. I grab her heels, a hairbrush, and a small makeup pouch in one hand. As I turn to head back into the bathroom, I see the dress hanging on the back of the door.

There’s nothing unique about it at first glance: a simple black dress with a subtle V-neck and a small slit stopping just above the knee. I run my fingers over the soft, silk material before taking it down .

Although the dress seems plain, once I slip it on, I quickly realise it’s been personally tailored. The fit is perfect, beyond perfect, somehow sculpting and moulding to my body as if the thread is infused with magic. In fact, it fits me so well that I begin to worry the dress is no longer as formal or appropriate as it once seemed. My breasts are showing just a tad too much, the way the curves of my hips and waist are emphasised is more sensual than elegant, and now that my feet are clad in black stilettos with ruby-red soles, there’s more leg exposed than I expected.

I tug on the short sleeves, trying to raise the neckline to no avail, and assess myself in the mirror once more. I frown.

Damn it.

I like the dress. I like the dress they gave me.

But a defiant smile tugs at my lips as I remember Julien’s remark about ‘appropriate’ attire. I turn, admiring myself more. I will be keeping this dress.

By the time I do some makeup: mascara, eyeliner and a touch of lipstick, my hair has almost dried into soft waves. I decide wearing it up will complete the more ‘professional’ look, two pieces of curls escape the high bun as I pin it up and take a step back.

With one more appraisal of my reflection, I decide I’m happy with my armour and I’m ready to face them.

With Alexis’ words seared into my mind, I take a deep breath, mentally and physically preparing myself as I take slow, purposeful steps down the stairs. When I’m midway, my brows knit together. My power has begun its instinctual route, seeping out before me in search of anything dangerous, but it continues sweeping the ground before my feet without finding anything or anyone .

My shoulders droop in relief. The living room I was in last night is empty, everything is the same, except the silver trays have been changed. Now, there’s one large tray containing fruits and pastries which have my mouth watering, but the large pot beside it all, containing a bitter liquid, is my target.

I pour myself a cup and just inhale the scent for a moment, trying to forget where I am or what is to come as the heat burns my fingertips. I raise the mug to enjoy my first sip.

“Good morning. ”

Thankfully, I don’t splutter on the coffee in my mouth. My power coiled around me a second before he spoke, but his deep voice still causes my skin to heat.

My blood to burn with intolerable need.

I close my eyes and focus on quelling the desire. My inky coils eagerly slink out and wrap around me in a physical sign of agreement. Thank the Goddess it’s listening to me now.

We will not be taken advantage of this time.

We will not succumb to—

When my eyes peer over the rim of my mug, bravely seeking out his crimson gaze, my once resolute power flickers, fades in and out, before weakly sinking back into my skin like a coward.

A traitor.

But I can’t blame it, or the sudden pounding of my heart, because if his gaze wasn’t enough to bring me to my knees, what he’s wearing certainly is.

I’d heard about enforcer uniforms but I’d never seen one. Any enforcers who visited 'The Inferno' always dressed in elegant, expensive outfits which screamed money and power. But this, this tactical gear currently cladding Julien's towering body, was something else.

This screamed danger.

Without restraint, our gazes leisurely survey each other. I start at his thick, laced boots, travelling up along the black combat trousers lined with numerous pockets, knives, and other objects I’m sure could inflict some damage. I then note the skin-tight, dark grey jumper moulding to his body, teasing the shadows of his muscles as it clings to them. My eyes reach the charcoal chest plate sculpted for his broad chest and shoulders, before finally landing back on those deep, crimson eyes.

I swallow and his sight follows the action, a small smile tugging at his plush lips.

“Do you like your dress?” he asks, calmly walking— prowling —towards me.

When I realise he’s closing our distance, after what happened the last time he got too close, my eyes narrow and I precariously take a few steps back.

His small smile only widens as he stops his prowl, just two chairs before me.

He’s watching me, expectantly, and I remember he’s asked a question .

“Yes,” I answer, then swallow hard because my voice should not be that raspy. “Yes, thank you.”

And then he smiles that smile .

I almost groan, it’s that ridiculous. It’s the type of smile which reveals all his teeth, the tips of his slightly sharper canines rest precariously upon his plump lower lip and if he pressed down just a tad, he would definitely pierce the delicate skin.

In this outfit, it makes him appear even more predatory, and my blood burns me with the need to get closer, with the urge to coax him into sinking those fangs into that lip and...

But my power has already begun seeking out another presence, and when he fully enters the room, it seems he decides to join in with my torment. A deep humming sensation rushes over my skin, accompanying the burning of my blood.

Piercing blue eyes collide with mine and I can’t help but stare.

Sai is wearing the same tactical gear as Julien, but he only has the boots and pants on. His markings, a dark blue fading softly in and out, traces every single part of his skin, the skin I was touching last night.

When I glance up at his face again, I note his gaze is all over my body, mesmerised, like he’s imagining what he knows is beneath this dress, and the hum becomes a momentary crackle.

My eyes dart between the two men, Julien's lips pulled into a knowing smile now, and when Sai’s gaze finally meets mine again, the bright intensity has me taking another sip of my coffee to ensure no sounds, of any type, fall out.

“All you need are glasses and that’d be a fantasy come true.” Sai’s teasing voice has my power’s full attention. His teeth embed his bottom lip and one brow is arch as he watches and eagerly waits for my reaction.

I try to keep it schooled, calm and dismissive. I even manage to narrow my eyes at his childish comment but when Julien is suddenly before me, leaning over with his hand gripping the table beside us, his lips so close to my skin, my eyes widen in panic, my coils flare in terror but my body burns with a deep desire which forces me to stand completely still.

His lips are beside my ear as he murmurs, “Having your throat on display like this is very dangerous. ”

His chest blocks Sai’s eyes, which I’m thankful for as mine roll back into my head from just the sound of his deep voice rumbling through my body.

“Should I—do you want me to take my hair down?” I suggest, trying to infer what I can from his typically vague statements.

“I didn’t say that.” He pulls back, just so, and our eyes meet again, a flash of black crosses his gaze before the deep red returns. “It’s a torture I’m willing to endure.”

When his knuckles skim the side of my throat, my eyelids flutter shut and I almost, almost , let out a moan. But with one hand gripping the chair next to me for dear life, and my coils wrapping tightly around me, I manage to keep it contained. Just.

I feel him move away, I hear the slight chuckle as he goes and I slowly open my eyes again, finding Julien stood beside Sai, Sai who is still completely shirtless and bright eyes are staring directly at me.

The heat in his piercing gaze sends another hum over my body, letting me know exactly where he’s looking as they wander. I have a flashback to last night, his lips on my skin, which makes my power crackle beneath the surface.

“Stop looking at me like that,” I direct at Sai, hoping I managed to keep Julien blocked.

Sai’s eyes finally flicker to mine and the smirk he’s wearing lets me know he heard me loud and clear. I glance to Julien who is typing into his phone, seemingly oblivious to our silent conversation, and a small smile of satisfaction lines my face as I take a seat at the table.

“Like what, Red?” he teases. We watch one another as he finally grabs a short sleeved, dark grey t-shirt from a bag I hadn’t even noticed was behind the door.

“Like… you know what.” I raise my brows a fraction to indicate my point and take another sip of the coffee.

“Like I want to bend you over that table and slip my—”

Burning hot liquid scolds my throat as I splutter over a mouthful of coffee. I slam the cup down and grab a napkin to dab at my chin and chest. Thankfully, nothing fell on the dress.

I send a scolding glare at Sai whose eyes twinkle and smirk turns into a wide grin that has my power crackling all over again.

“You’re having a conversation with Sai whilst maintaining my blockade?” Julien's deep voice makes my blood sing for him. I naturally turn towards him, the small smile upon his face makes my scowl instantly drop. “You’re a natural, Little Empath.”

“Why did Red block you?” Sai’s regular teasing tone has returned and it has me scowling once more, pushing the coffee aside and opting for water.

“That is between us.” Julien’s smile slowly forms into a grin, the stupid grin with the perfect teeth that makes my body flare with heat. But I appreciate his willingness to keep it between us, rather than use it as a bargaining chip like Sai.

Sai’s slightly narrowed brows indicate the very opposite, he seems to hate being kept out of the loop, and I smile at finally having some type of leverage.

But my smile slowly drops when the shadows in the room seem to bloom, sweeping out in a soft wave and leaving the light much dimmer than before as he emerges, forming out of the shadows themselves.

I wish I had something to distract myself with because although he terrifies me the most out of the three enforcers, I’m still just as attracted to him. A feeling that is emphasised as I eagerly scan his body, also clad in the enforcer’s tactical gear.

Just like Julien and Sai, except he wears a V-neck, short-sleeved, black t-shirt, the cuffs tightening around his wide biceps and the V-line providing the glimpse of an inked curve. There’s also a long silver chain hanging around his neck which dips down and underneath the t-shirt. I want to see more.

The three of them together again, has my body, power and blood crying out for more.

The second my gaze starts to linger; I force myself to look away.

I’m currently staring at the tray of fruit and pastries, unwilling to glance back even when I can feel a coldness sweep over my body in a soft skim. I know it’s him, I know if I turn just slightly, I’ll see his dark, cold eyes boring into mine. But I can’t handle it right now, so instead, I count how many seeds are in the piece of watermelon.

“Have you eaten?” His voice pierces my skin. It takes me a moment to realise what he’s asked and I take a subtle breath before finally turning to face him.

“No,” I answer, but the word is barely a whisper because I’m staring at him again, noticing his inky black hair is darker than usual, wet, and as he swipes his hand through it, pushing it away from his face, droplets fall onto his chest and darken the fabric of his tight top.

I drag my gaze away once more, staring at the steam rising from the pot of coffee instead, wondering if it’s possible to die from refusing three parts of yourself at once.

“Eat, then we’ll go.”

I could argue, say I’m not hungry, but I can’t, I don’t even want to risk playing with fire today because I’m so close to the edge… Instead, I simply lean over the table, feeling all their gazes upon me as I do, grab a small pastry, sit down, and take a tiny nibble.

Eventually, the tension in the room loosens as I eat and the enforcers fall into their own private conversation, I can tell from the way Sai chuckles every now and then.

The pastry is delicious, warm and soft and when I reach the middle, gooey, sweet chocolate seeps out, coating my lips, causing me to release a delighted sound.

Comfortable silence suddenly turns into a tense and palpable one. My eyes widen at the sensation as I grip my pastry, worried someone might try to steal it. Cautiously, I flicker my gaze over to the three enforcers who are seated at the far end of the table.

They’re all staring at the pastry in my hands, until their sight moves up to my lips and lingers there.

All three of them.

“I’ve never had a pastry with chocolate in it before,” I quietly inform, nervously darting my eyes over the three men.

Finally, their sight latches with mine and I instantly regret it. Their intense, simmering gazes and coiled, tense, bodies… I feel fragile, vulnerable, like prey about to be devoured.

“Sorry, for interrupting,” I add softly, hoping to ease the sudden awkwardness, but their sight remains locked with mine. “I’m done if you want to go.”

I forcibly remove my gaze from them, disappointment tinging my features as I place the delicious, half-eaten pastry down but thankful I’m no longer filled with the pure embarrassment that sound initially created.

“Let’s go,” he orders, his cold voice permeating the air as he stands.

I quickly suck the remnants of chocolate from my thumb and copy his movement. Only when I’m stood do I notice Julien and Sai remain seated, their eyes unfocused as they linger upon the pastry, the one I’ve left uneaten.

“Don’t you guys need to eat too?” I ask, searching their faces. I knew Fae could eat, they adored food if Javier was anything to go by, but I wasn’t sure about vampires and demons. Well, I knew what a vampire’s preferred method of feeding was… “Aren’t you hungry?”

Sai runs a hand roughly over his face, producing a soft groan as he stands. “This is killing me, man. We need to vote again.”

Even though his statement is directed at the two enforcers, his gaze locks with mine, lips tilted into his usual mischievous smirk.

“After,” the demon responds.

Julien simply remains silent, even as he unfolds to his towering height beside the others. Again, I try not to stare at the three of them. Together they truly are a deadly force, a trio I should be absolutely terrified of, instead, I can’t help but admire their dangerous beauty.

“Do I get a say in the vote?” I’m not sure why I decided to speak, or why I decided to say it mentally, but I’m curious to see how conversations work when there’s four people involved.

Their eyes all lock with mine and I force myself to remain still.

“You’re a deadly little thing.” Julien's voice rumbles, the sound stroking the edges of my nerves. I repress the shiver eager to dance along my spine.

“ Bring her with you,” he orders, sparing a final look in my direction, before disintegrating into the shadows.

I stare at the spot, transfixed at the ease in which he disappeared, until Sai begins to prowl towards me, intent deep in those blue eyes.

Rather than retreat, I stand my ground, repeating my question, “Will I get a say?”

Sai just smirks, now close enough to hold out his hand in invitation, but I refuse to comply. He quirks a brow when he realises and I mimic the action back.

“That depends,” Sai says, his eyes drop back to his hand and then me with obvious instruction.

“On what?”

Julien remains rooted to his spot, spectating our interaction from afar as I finally reach out, tentatively placing my fingers into Sai’s glowing palm .

Before I can react to the intense hum of electricity running through my skin at the touch, my eyes become fixated by the movement of Sai clasping my hand, bringing my fingertips up to his mouth, and placing them against his lips.

My power explodes, wrapping us both in intense violet waves which grip the edges of Julien's form. I don’t even attempt to pull it back, allowing the waves to sink into the shadows and engulf the room into sudden darkness. I feel my gaze shift the moment Julien and Sai’s do.

When Sai’s tongue sweeps out, swiping at the tip of my finger, removing the chocolate I’d missed, everything amplifies.

My half lidded gaze locks with Sai’s, his markings now matching the colour of the plum shadows I’ve engulfed us in, before I seek out Julien behind him, his hypnotic gaze is filled with vicious desire as he watches us.

My spine burns, the sensation only adding to the pleasurable feeling of Sai’s touch and Julien's blood running through my veins whilst he observes. Dark thoughts begin to conjure in my mind, images of Sai touching me in many other ways with crimson eyes watching every single move.

“How well you behave...” Sai finally replies, but his voice is altered, layered with a heaviness which screams of darkness, it only increases the desire racing through me, “with the Council.”