Unrestrained (Devilish #8)

Chapter One

Everything about Hotel de Stellar, aka Stygian’s prison, smelled like sex.

For a fae, even a dark one, the scent was like the most delicious of foods.

Unfortunately, Stygian was no more than a shadow.

He couldn’t partake even if he was free to do so.

Of course, Stellar, the prince of fairies, didn’t totally starve him.

He let Stygian watch sometimes. Stellar was so powerful that he could recharge any energy vampire just by fornicating in their presence.

And Goddess, was every act hot as the fires of hell and filthy.

Every session was torture. Of course, that was the point.

Stellar wanted him to suffer. Stygian couldn’t understand why.

All he had done was borrow Stellar’s best friend’s mate’s body so he could eat. He had to survive somehow.

From the corner of Stellar’s bedroom in his invisible cage, he watched Stellar pace around the room and throw shit.

He was in a frothy rage, and Stygian had no clue why.

A meek but pretty fairy fluttered from space to space, ensuring he stayed out of the way.

The guy was on the small side. His short, blond hair was nothing less than the softest-looking curls.

His eyes were a shade of green that didn’t exist in nature.

At least, not human nature. River was born of the waters.

His eyes reflected the power of the sea.

While he was nice to look at, conversation with him had zero stimulation. He was better than nothing, though.

Stygian bided his time until Stellar stormed from the room and shouted at his guards.

“It looks as if you’re quite adept at dodging Stellar’s temper.”

River looked his way at the comment and smiled. “He’s not a mean person. Stellar just isn’t a morning person, especially not on court days.”

Stygian chuckled. “I don’t know what court days are, but that fit had nothing to do with that. He’s hungry. I feel his need to feed in the air.”

“Oh.” River was so blissfully ignorant. “That makes sense. Taurus is usually here to feed him, but no one has seen him around the palace today.”

Even though River had no way of knowing he did so, since he had no solid form, Stygian shrugged. “He’s probably eating elsewhere. Stellar should too. Maybe if he stoked Taurus’ jealousy a bit, then the pair would finally admit they’re a couple.”

River rushed to stand closer to the invisible wall. His twinkling eyes were those of a man ready to gossip. “Do you think so? Everyone knows they are in love except them. It’s maddening. I think the entire castle is on the edge of their seats waiting for them to finally become exclusive.”

Stygian hummed. “Yeah. Someone should definitely step in and shake them up. Jealousy always wins. Anyway, how have you been? You seem antsy today.”

River somehow brightened even more. “It’s so beautiful outside today. Obviously, this is Faerie. It’s always beautiful here, but this is perfect frolicking weather.”

Frolicking weather? This guy couldn’t be real. Stygian tried his best to sound depressed and hurt. “I wish I could be outside too. If for no other reason than to attend my father’s funeral. It was supposed to be today.”

River gasped and leaned even closer. His big, trusting eyes grew even larger. “Your father passed? That’s awful. I didn’t know dark fae had parents.”

Stygian nodded unnecessarily. “We are much like you fairy families. Families form when born of the same elements. Dark magic doesn’t exist in a bubble any more than the magic of nature.

Not that any of this matters now. He’s gone, and I’m missing the chance to take a few glittery cosmos to his grave—that was his favorite flower—and collect the only personal item of his that he wanted me to have. ”

River covered his mouth with his hands. They slowly fell away.

River stared at him unblinking. “No one should miss their parent’s passing ceremony.

” River jogged in place for a second. “Oh. I have an idea. I have an idea. If you’d like, I can go in your place.

It’s nothing for me to grab a few glittery cosmos along the way. ”

Stygian faked excitement. “Are you kidding? You would really do that for me? I don’t deserve your kindness. Stellar put me here for a reason.”

River looked determined. He gave a sharp nod. “Yes. I’ll do it. I can even ask about that thing your father wanted you to have while I’m there. If there’s anyone there to ask, that is.”

Excitement ripped through Stygian. His manipulations were starting to bear fruit. “Yes. My father had a second son. He’s much younger than I am, but he’ll definitely help you.”

River beamed with pride. “Good. I’ll go right away.”

Stygian fought an evil chuckle as he told River how to find Bodhi, his creator. Bodhi was smart as hell. He would understand Stygian’s ruse. Stygian barely finished telling River where to go before Stellar stormed his way back into the room with a frazzled-looking guard on his heels.

River rushed to pretend he folded clothes. No doubt that was something normally done using magic.

Stellar was red-faced with fury. “I don’t give a fuck what you have to do. Taurus’ job is to be with me.”

Stygian stirred the pot. “He’s probably in someone else’s bed, getting what you can’t give him.”

River looked his way and mouthed, “Oh my stars.”

Stellar’s rage-filled eyes turned his way. “There’s nothing I can’t give him.”

Oh, he was for real pissed. It was obvious from Stellar’s reaction that he had already considered Stygian’s thoughts. Stellar was in the perfect headspace to be controlled.

“Don’t throw your anger my way. I’m locked in here. It’s not my fault Taurus found better dick… or, at the very least, someone unashamed to call him only theirs.”

Stellar took a step in Stygian’s direction, pointing at him as if he fully intended to tear into Stygian.

“You need to check yourself. Taurus is free to try whatever dick he wants.”

Oh, no he wasn’t.

“No one owns him.”

That tone said he would kill Taurus if he strayed.

“The point of the matter is he’s my morning meal, and I’m—”

“I couldn’t feed you, my lord.”

Stygian almost told River that he was proud of him. Not only had that been a brave move, but the offer had also been said in the perfect tone that would make Stellar look like a monster if he turned his temper River’s way.

Stellar’s purple gaze landed on River. His expression softened. “It’s okay, River. I’m way too rough for someone as gentle as you are. You’re very kind to offer, though.”

Stygian turned a little desperate. “Why are you dismissing his offer? As much as River puts up with, I imagine he’s much sturdier than he looks.

Taurus obviously didn’t turn down any offers this morning.

You’re a prince and you’re telling me you can’t control yourself enough to enjoy one sweet ride.

In case you didn’t notice, you’re not the only one going hungry this morning.

It’s bad enough I never get an actual meal, but now you’ve decided to completely starve me.

Are there no laws against that here? Even for a prince, that seems barbaric. ”

Stygian didn’t know what he said that hit a nerve, but something did.

Stellar focused on River. “Maybe we can meet in the middle at a lesser act.”

“I’m told I’m very good on my knees.”

Damn. Now Stygian wanted to find out. It was possible he had underestimated River.

Stellar gave River a sharp nod. “Very well. I accept your offer with a grateful heart.”

A wicked-sounding laugh rang through Stygian’s mind. He had the ball rolling now. The only thing left was for Taurus to show up for his shift. Then he would be on his way to freedom, just as he intended.

Anger and jealousy coated Stellar’s every thought.

For more years than he could recall, Taurus had been Stellar’s personal guard and the majority provider of his meals.

While there had been countless others to serve him since Taurus came into the picture over the centuries, beyond an occasional snack, Taurus had slowly transformed into Stellar’s sole food source for large meals.

Taurus had disappeared last night before dinner, and Stellar had chosen to drink from the sacred waters that ran through Faerie to quench his thirst and go without one meal.

Now Taurus still hadn’t returned, and Stellar had to oversee court soon.

He didn’t have time to eat, and he was hangry.

River was an adorable fairy who worked for the palace.

His job had him on the sidelines, waiting to do anything that might make their lives easier.

He fulfilled every tiny desire at a moment’s notice.

Wine, he was on it. Massage; he had the skills.

He was the creature comforts of the household, all while remaining practically invisible and disturbing no one.

Stellar didn’t tend to ask for anything.

He recognized how much he would hate doing River’s job.

Maybe his lack of demands was what kept River in his space so much.

Stellar respected that, especially since his fuck-ass job hadn’t destroyed his sweet demeanor.

He loathed that River had volunteered to feed him.

That hatred had nothing to do with River.

River was truly lovely, and the peace Stellar could see anyone choosing for their comfort in life. The issue was Taurus—like always.

Stellar chose a chair rather than the bed. Only Taurus invaded that space. He was rock hard with pure hunger. When River focused on him with bedroom eyes, Stellar’s anger slid into the background of his thoughts. It was more than obvious River took this chore seriously.