Chapter Forty-Three

  Aza waited serenely perched in the center of a chair far too large for her delicate frame but perfectly sized for the rest of her. Around her slight form, ten fox tails rose to drape her arms and shoulders like luxurious stoles; filling the rest of the seat with silky fur. Ten tails, not nine. I counted them again. Kitsune are known to have up to nine tails. The more tails they have, the older and more powerful they are. I suppose it made sense that their goddess would have an extra tail. A perfect ten.

  Aza's dark eyes latched onto Lucifer as soon as we stepped into the room; a sly look in them that suited her tails perfectly. She remained seated until we were nearly upon her and then gracefully got to her feet. A slim silk dress showed off her slim body and her thick, glossy, black hair fell around her hips in several sleek swaths that swung as she moved.

  “Lucifer?” She asked in a dulcet, ultra-feminine voice.

  “I am,” Lucifer said. “And you are Aza?”

  Aza bowed her head in a shallow nod and then shifted her gaze to me. “I heard that you conquered the Spellsinger who sought to subdue us; that instead of putting you to sleep, she helped to free you.”

  “I wouldn't say conquered,” I growled.

  “And yet, here you stand,” she said simply. “Why, if not because you failed?”

  “That is not something we wish to share,” Lucifer answered crisply.

  I shot him a surprised look.

  “But Elaria is right; I did no conquering,” he went on. “She was forced to free me under duress.”

  “That sounds like failure to me,” she said snidely.

  “Why have you come here, Aza?” Lucifer asked.

  “For an alliance.” She glanced at me. “But I hesitate now that I see your relationship with the Spellsinger.”

  “She's a friend, not a consort,” he clarified.

  But he'd like her to be more, RS grumbled.

  “But my relationship with Elaria should have no bearing on an alliance,” Lucifer pointed out.

  “It does if our alliance involves a sexual relationship,” Aza said blandly.

  I gaped at her, but Lucifer only smiled.

  “Why would either of us want that?” He asked casually.

  “We are the only two gods to awaken,” she pointed out. “And we happen to be male and female. I thought it was fate. I came to see if I was right.”

  “You wish to court me?” Lucifer smiled wider; smugly.

  If the thought of two gods joining didn't scare me so damn much, I'd be delighted to have Lucifer's interest shifted to another woman. Especially after that debacle on the roof. But Aza had an even more devilish look to her than Lucifer had when he was possessed by his devil, and I had a feeling her alliance wouldn't keep them contentedly ensconced on Angelus.

  “I admit the thought of being with a goddess intrigues me.” Lucifer glanced at me before deciding. “I will have rooms prepared for you, and we shall see how compatible we are.”

  “Excellent.” Aza smiled brightly. “Why don't we start with a kiss?”

  Lucifer's forearm went tense beneath my hand. I looked up and found him staring at me.

  “I'll just wait outside.” I started to move away.

  “No.” Lucifer's eyes twitched. “Stay. It's only a kiss.”

  Heat flashed through me as I felt Lucifer's tongue tangling with mine again. For a second, I thought my Fire was rising, but it was simply the memory of desire. The way Lucifer stared at me said clearly that he was remembering the same thing, and that what had passed between us wasn't even close to being “only a kiss.” Sweet stones; the things he had said. The things I had said.

  Cool it down, Nympho! RS shouted. Are you going to have to sing again?

  I'm fine, thank you, I said primly.

  I broke our stare, and Lucifer sighed. He let go of my arm and stepped over to Aza. His wings disappeared to give me an unrestricted view of the Kitsune Goddess moving into his embrace and of his head lowering to hers. Her long nails speared through Lucifer's hair and clawed him closer as she pressed her lips to his. Lucifer made an aroused sound and slid his hands down to Aza's ass to knead her slight cheeks. I looked away as they seemed to get as passionate as Lucifer and I had been mere minutes earlier.

  Humph, so much for his overwhelming desire for you, Kyanite huffed. It looks as if any woman with power will stir his lust.

  I was about to agree when I lifted my gaze and saw that Lucifer had shifted Aza slightly so that he faced me. His eyes were wide open... and fastened on mine. Lucifer deepened their kiss as he watched me; like a man watching porn to get himself ready for a woman who didn't excite him. My throat went dry, and I had no doubt that although Lucifer held Aza, he was imagining holding me.

  Fuck. This is bad, I said.

  No shit, RS agreed. It would have been better if he fancied the Fox.

  What the hell is he doing? Kyanite snapped. If he wants you so damn much, why is he kissing her?

  The RS laughed.

  I love you for being so honest, Ky, I said. So guileless that it would never occur to you that a man might want to inspire jealousy in the object of his affection.

  He's doing this to make you jealous? Kyanite scoffed. I don't know, Elaria. This feels like more than that.

  Lucifer finished their kiss abruptly; pulling away from Aza to rub the pad of his thumb over her bottom lip.

  “That was lovely,” Lucifer said to her. “I shall look forward to exploring the possibilities of our alliance further.”

  Then Lucifer left her, took my arm, and escorted me out of the room.

  Chapter Forty-Four

  You need to ask the Winged Wonder to let our Cock Collective join us, RS said as soon as I woke up the next morning.

  “I don't want them here,” I said out loud, too tired to remember to speak internally. It shouldn't matter anyway; Lucifer had removed the listening devices. “I still don't know if Heaven is safe for us, and I'd rather have as few of us here as possible.”

  Yeah, okay, she huffed. I suppose that makes sense.

  My love, I've verified Lucifer's statement about Marjorie.

  “You have? She's alive?” I sat up suddenly.

  She is. She spends most of her time in Erotic Alley.

  Erotic Alley! RS whooped. Sounds fucking fantastic! Let's go!

  “Raphael said it's a popular place with the Angels,” I muttered as I got out of bed and stumbled to the bathroom.

  Lucifer had kept me up late, drinking holy wine and talking about... what the fuck had we talked about? I leaned against the counter and frowned at my reflection.

  You talked about being Gods, RS reminded me. He went on and on about what he wants to do for Angelus and his children, her voice was scathing.

  “What is it about him that you don't like?” I asked her.

  You mean besides the fact that he started wars and killed millions of people? she asked.

  “What about him now, this current him, do you not like?” I insisted. “I truly want your opinion, RS.”

  She went quiet a minute and then said, When he touched me to use his magic to mute our connection, I felt something lurking inside him.

  “His devil.” I grimaced. “Yeah; we had proof of that yesterday. Lucifer hasn't tried to hide him from me and it's not as if I don't have my own dark presence.”

  It could be a presence he's fighting or it could be the true him, hidden beneath a pretty face and pretty words. All I know is that Lucifer the Morning Star is not all shiny and sparkly; he has darkness inside him.

  “Have you forgotten that I love the Darkness?” I countered.

  Lucifer is not Darcraxis, Kyanite answered before the RS could. But I understand what you're saying Elaria; a dark side does not mean he's a bad man. But his similarities to you and Darcraxis do not make him a good one either. I'm leaning toward liking him, but let's not jump into the deep end just yet. You're here for two months specifically to observe and verify his changes. I think you should stick to that plan.

  A knock interrupted our conversation, and I went to answer the door in a robe. Raphael's blue eyes darkened as he stared down the length of my silk-clad body. I cleared my throat, and he lifted his gaze to mine with an unabashed grin.

  “Nice robe,” he said. “Mind if I come in?”

  I waved him inside as I closed my robe more tightly and crossed my arms over my chest. “What's up, Raph?”

  As he settled on the loveseat, I went to the closet and pulled out a casual, cotton dress in sky blue and then went into the bathroom to change, leaving the door ajar so I could hear his response.

  “Lucifer is busy with Aza today so I thought you might want some company,” Raph called out to me. “We could fly down to the—”

  “I'd like to go to Erotic Alley,” I cut him off.

  Raphael went silent. I came out of the bathroom to find him staring at me with a stunned expression.

  “That angel who brought me the letter damning Lucifer went missing while we were visiting the Garden,” I told him.

  “What are you implying?” His eyes narrowed.

  “Nothing,” I said. “I was worried about her, but I've heard that she's been spotted in Erotic Alley. I just want to verify that she's alive and well. It would go a long way to helping me trust Lucifer.”

  “Who told you about her being in the Alley?” He countered.

  “Never mind that,” I said firmly. “Will you take me or should I go on my own?”

  “You are not going into Erotic Alley on your own,” he growled. “Look, Elaria, the Alley hasn't been... cleaned yet. Jesus was getting around to stopping the sex slave trade but it turned out to be a far larger and more complicated job than he anticipated. I don't want you seeing that; it will only upset you.”

  “Does Lucifer know about it?”

  “We haven't exactly had the time to tell him.” Raph grimaced. “But he probably does; he's been very thorough in getting to know his people again. He's explored the city extensively.”

  “Without you?” I asked in surprise. “You're talking as if you don't know where he went.”

  “Lucifer has given me command of security for Heaven,” Raphael explained. “There's a lot to oversee; I don't have time to guard him, nor does he need me to. Lucifer can take care of himself.”

  “No doubt,” I murmured. “If Lucifer does know about Erotic Alley then it's vital that I go. I want to see what he's put lower on his priority list.”

  “It is a lower priority, El,” Raph said gently. “Despite the peaceful way he gained control of the city, this is a hostile takeover. We are still watching for rebels and waiting to see how much of the Host Lucifer will be able to win over. He must focus his attention on placating his people now, not taking away things they enjoy.”

  “Things they enjoy?” I huffed. “You're talking about slavery.”

  “Which has been done on every planet in every civilization,” Raphael said calmly. “I don't like it, but this is not the time for Lucifer to free the slaves in Heaven. The Host has been through too many changes already; they need everything else to remain as normal as possible.”

  “Fine,” I growled. “I concede that Lucifer may have his reasons for leaving things be, but I still want to go. I need to see Marjorie for myself.”

  “I'll take you on one condition,” he offered grimly. “That you don't start a fight.”

  “Why would you say that?” I asked innocently.

  “Between the slaves and the angels who will undoubtedly hit on you—aggressively—you will get seriously pissed off. This is not in question. You will be furious by the time we leave. I want your word that you will let me handle any issues that arise.”

  “Issues like?”

  “Like some randy angel grabbing your ass or trying to seduce you or treating a slave poorly,” he said. “There are numerous negative situations that could happen, all of which I'm certain will arouse your ire instead of your desire.”

  “All right, Raph; I promise I'll let you handle things.”

  “Thank you.”

  Chapter Forty-Five

  I thought I'd known what I was getting into. Raphael had once briefly told me what went on in Erotic Alley, but a tidy list of businesses failed to convey the depth of depravity occurring down what was far greater than an alley. The Erotic Alley stretched five blocks, bulging out in places from the main strip like an infectious disease. At first, it had been as I expected; copulating and nudity on the sidewalks, shops with naughty merchandise, and even street brawls that scattered blood and feathers across the roads. But the further in we went, the nastier things became, to the point where angels having sex above me seemed tame.

  Looking for Marjorie among the thousands of angels who flocked—forgive my pun—to the Alley was impossible. Instead, I gave Raph a description of her, and we started asking around. Currently, I sat in a booth in a nightclub that was open despite it being only mid-afternoon. I suppose that made it simply a club. I sipped my drink—something too syrupy to enjoy—and tried to ignore the dirty dancing going on beside me.

  And I mean dirty.

  Naked angels writhed against each other on the sunken dance floor; their bodies covered in oil, grease, mud, and who knows what else. Most had their wings put away but those who didn't, extended their feathered appendages to be smeared with whatever slick substance their companions could reach. I'd never seen anything like it. It was as if the Host—so obsessed with being pristine all the time—needed to feel what it was like to get down and dirty. Some of them fucked on the edges of the floor, but this was more about the feeling of greasy skin and filthy wings than sex.

  Metallica blasted through the speakers. I have no problem with that, but we're talking old school Metallica; growling, hardcore, rumbling “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” The kind of music that made grasping hands and slime-streaked bodies seem savage and a bit sinister. The Angels looked more like Demons trying to claw their way out of Hell. And not their cousin Demons either but the Sumerian or perhaps Asian Demons; the truly monstrous races that gloried in filth of all sorts.

  “The bartender says he knows a Marjorie that recently started working at the Backdoor,” Raphael said as he strode up to my table.

  “The Backdoor?” I asked hesitantly. “Is that a euphemism for...”

  “An asshole?” Raphael asked with a chuckle. “I did warn you, Elaria.”

  “Please tell me it's a club for anal sex and not for angels to coat themselves in shit.”

  Raphael made a horrified face. “I can assure you there are no such shitty clubs here. Why would you think that?”

  I waved my hand at the dirty dancers.

  “That's dirty, not disgusting,” Raphael protested. “Every two hours, the sprinklers go on”—he waved a hand at lines of metal pipes crossing the ceiling above the dance floor—“and they get a good rinse.”

  “Bizarre,” I whispered. “So, what's the Backdoor then?”

  “Oh, it's a place for anal play,” he said gleefully. “Lot's of anal. Deep, hard anal.”

  “Shut up and lead the way,” I grumbled.

  Raphael chuckled as he led me back out to the street. “You asked me to bring you.”

  “Just walk, Raph,” I growled.

  A few minutes of walking brought us to the Backdoor. Ironically, we entered through the front. But what greeted us erased the snark from my face. We entered the club through a hallway lined with people of all races; people bent over padded benches and chained down. An aisle of asses; men on the right and women on the left. Angels casually stopped to fuck them on their way in; either with the dildos conveniently placed on shelves above the chained people or with their own dicks. The only bright side was that Raphael had stopped smiling too.

  We strode past quickly and entered the main room. A bar lined the left wall and performance platforms dominated the right. In between, angels sat at little round tables having drinks or fondling each other. I ignored the numerous examples of anal sex occurring around the room and fixed my gaze on the bar. I had no idea there were so many ways to penetrate an ass.

  “Elaria, you have five men,” Raphael said to my uncomfortable expression, “I assumed that you'd explored every way to have sex.”

  “Not this one,” I said crisply. “Not my cup of tea. I don't understand why a woman would enjoy it. Men, sure; you have a G-spot up there, but not women. It just looks painful to me.”

  “Not if you do it right.” He smirked. “You need to e-e-e-ase into it, and as far as pleasure goes, women need to be stimulated in other areas while having anal sex for them to enjoy it.”