Lucifer (Brimstone Heat Book 1) (10 page)

“All right ladies, let’s go home.” Wyatt grabbed the rest of the bags, and they made their way out of the mall and to the parking lot.

*****

Wyatt turned off the state highway onto the farm-to-market road leading to Briary Creek. He glanced again in the rearview mirror and frowned. “Do either of you recognize that black dually truck with the huge cattle guard behind us?”

Angie and Gracie both turned around and looked at it through the rear glass.

“I haven’t seen it before,” said Gracie. She looked at Angie.

“Me neither.” Angie turned back around and leaned forward. “Is something wrong?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe I’m just being a little too paranoid.” Wyatt glanced in the rearview mirror again. “But it’s been following us since we left the mall.”

Angie and Gracie exchanged glances.

“Make sure you’re seatbelts aren’t too loose.” Wyatt frowned. “I don’t know who they are, but they are speeding up.”

“Maybe they’re just going to go around us,” Gracie’s voice trembled. She heard the worry in Wyatt’s voice.

Angie turned to look out the rear window of the SUV.  “Oh crap! They’re going to hit us!”

The words were barely out of her mouth when the huge, black dually hit the back of the SUV, throwing it forward. Wyatt struggled with the steering wheel, but kept the SUV on the road. “Hang on!” he shouted as he pushed down hard on the gas pedal, hoping to put some distance between them and the black dually.

Angie pulled out her cell phone. Holding it tight in her hands, she found Lucifer’s number and pressed call.

On the second ring, he picked up. “Angie, what’s wrong?”

“We are about three miles from town, but we have a large, black dually with one of those heavy cattle guards trying to run us off the road. They’ve already rear-ended us once. Wyatt managed to keep us on the road.” Her voice trembled.

“Hold on, they’re going to hit us again!” yelled Wyatt as he glanced out the driver’s side mirror.

“Angie, I will be there in a couple of seconds,” said Lucifer. The line went dead.

Angie stared at the phone.

“What the fuck!” Wyatt jerked the steering wheel, forcing the SUV into the center of the road.

Angie’s eyes widen as she stared out the front windshield.

“What the hell?” Gracie stared with her mouth hanging down.

Out of nowhere, Lucifer suddenly appeared in the left lane and another huge man appeared in the right lane. As soon as the SUV passed them, Lucifer and the other man stepped together and calmly walked toward the oncoming dually truck.

Angie screamed as the black dually headed straight toward Lucifer and the other man.

Before the vehicle ran over Lucifer and the other man, the engine compartment of the black dually crumpled as if it hit an invisible wall. It flew up into the air and landed on its roof. The crash was deafening. The truck skidded across the pavement on its roof with a horrible scraping noise, until it came to a stop at the edge of the pavement.

Wyatt slammed his foot down on the break causing the SUV to skid to a stop. “What the fuck did I just see?” His eyes looked huge in his pale face. “Angie, where are you going?” He glanced at Gracie. “Stay here. Do. Not. Get. Out. Quinn will kill me if you do.” Wyatt jumped out and started to go after Angie, who was already out of the vehicle.

Lucifer and the other man turned around and stared at the black dually truck before turning the attention to the SUV. They casually walked toward Angie as if they were out on a Sunday stroll in the park.

“Lucifer!” screamed Angie as she started walking toward him, but the closer she got the fast she walked until she was running. As she reached him, she leaped into his arms, wrapping herself around him. “Are you okay?” she sobbed.

Lucifer held her tight in his arms, breathing in her scent. “I’m fine,” he whispered in her hair. He tilted her head up and pushed her hair out of her face. “Are you hurt?”

Angie shook her head. “I’m not hurt…just extremely terrified, especially when I saw the truck coming straight at you.”

Lucifer tightened his hug and kissed her. He closed his eyes and rested his chin on top of her head. “I now understand why Father is the way he is about Mother.”

“What do you mean?” asked Angie.

“Father is always trying to find ways to keep Mother tied to their home in order to keep her safe. I think it’s time for me to do something like that to keep you safe. I think I aged a hundred years when I heard you on the phone.” Lucifer kissed the top of her head.

Angie snorted. “Don’t even think about keeping me locked away somewhere. It won’t work.” She pushed back so she could look into his face. “If you try, you will regret it because sooner or later you have to sleep and I will have complete access to your body. I could start by waxing your chest and the work my way down south.”

“I like her. She’s not afraid to get back at you,” said the man standing beside Lucifer. “You could put green or purple dye in his hair. I’ve got some stuff that will take him forever to get out.”

“I don’t need you giving her any ideas,” warned Lucifer.

The man laughed.

Lucifer shook his head. “Angie, this is Phoenix, one of my brothers.” He gestured toward the man. “Phoenix, this is Angie Gunner, my lifemate.”

“Nice to meet you,” said Angie as she looked up at Phoenix. He had similar build and similar facial features as Lucifer. Even his eyes were green. The only difference was that Phoenix had red hair instead of blonde.

“And it is good to meet you, Sister. I would hug you, but I don’t think my brother is going to let go of you anytime soon.” He smiled at her. “If you need anything, come to me and I will help you, especially if you’re getting back at him for something he’s done.”

Lucifer glared at his brother. “I don’t need you giving Angie any ideas.”

“After all these centuries, I finally have a baby sister,” said Phoenix.

“She’s my lifemate, not your baby sister.” Lucifer frowned at his brother.

“You may have claimed her as your lifemate, but I’m claiming her as my baby sister. I’m going to spoil her rotten every chance I get.” Phoenix grinned and winked at Angie. “And when you do things to make her mad, I’m going to give her all kinds of ideas as to how to get back at you.”

“No. Absolutely not. I don’t need you infecting Angie with your insane ideas.” Lucifer shook his head. As far back as he could remember, Phoenix constantly came up with one crazy idea after another. Most of which got both of them into serious trouble with their parents, even though Lucifer was usually the recipient of Phoenix’s pranks. But even though Phoenix and his other brothers were often royal pains, Lucifer knew they would all be there to help him when he needed them. “No infecting Angie with any of your crazy ideas.” He shook his finger at Phoenix.

His brother laughed as he turned his attention to Angie. “Don’t worry about anything. I’ve got your back. What Lucifer doesn’t know won’t hurt him.”

“Phoenix, I’m warning you.” Lucifer growled at his brother.

“I’m so going to love having a baby sister.” Phoenix’s eyes lit up as he spoke.

Lucifer rolled his eyes as he shook his head. “Brothers. I can’t do anything with them.”

Angie laughed. “I won’t get infected with any of Phoenix’s insane ideas, but only if you don’t try to lock me away. I don’t care if you think it’s for my protection. If you pull a stunt like that, all bets are off, and I will get a list of ideas from your brother to add to the ones I already have.”

“I definitely like her.” Phoenix punched Lucifer’s shoulder. “You are going to be in a lot of trouble with Angie, and you’re not going to know what hit you by the time she’s through with you.”

“You are not helping.”

“Why would I want to help my old, big brother over my new, little sister?”

Lucifer looked at Angie. “And you wanted to meet my brothers.” He tapped the tip of her nose.

“Hey,” she said as she brushed at his hand.

Lucifer gently held Angie’s chin and titled her head so she could only see him. “I will do whatever I think is necessary to protect you, because you are everything to me.” He leaned down and brushed her lips with his.

Angie leaned into him. She moaned in protest when his lips left hers. “And you are everything to me,” she whispered.

Lucifer glanced at the SUV. “I think you have some people worried about you. Lucifer gestured toward the vehicle. Gracie was hanging halfway out the window and was staring at them. Wyatt stood at the rear of the vehicle. Lucifer took Angie’s hand and walked her back to the SUV.

Wyatt watched the sheriff open the rear door. He sniffed. He shook his head and frowned. “What the hell are you?”

Lucifer helped Angie back into the vehicle. He turned and raised an eyebrow as he looked at Wyatt. “You wouldn’t believe me, so let’s just say I’m extremely complicated and I’m most people’s worst nightmare.”

Color slowly drained from Wyatt’s face. “You are joking. Right?” he asked.

Lucifer shook his head. “I am not joking, and it’s not because I’m the sheriff,, thought that doesn’t hurt.”

Wyatt nodded and took several steps backwards. “I think I’ll just get in the SUV.”

“Good idea. I want you to take the women home. I need to see what we are dealing with,” said Lucifer.

Wyatt nodded and got in behind the steering wheel.

Lucifer turned his attention to Angie. “When I get home, we are having a discussion about you not using the credit card I gave you.”

“I did want to talk to you about that.” Angie chewed on her bottom lip. “I wanted to order some stuff and look into getting a new laptop.”

Lucifer gave her a quick kiss. “We will talk when I get home. Don’t go anywhere, and make sure you lock the door.”

“I won’t go anywhere, and I will lock the door.” Angie glanced at the overturned dually. So far no one had crawled out of it and that bothered her. “I promise.”

Lucifer nodded and closed the door. He stepped back and waved at Wyatt.

Wyatt put the vehicle into drive and headed toward Briary Creek. He glanced at the side mirror. “How am I going to explain the damage to the SUV to Quinn?” He shook his head. “And what is he going to say about what just happened?” He shook his head again. “Damn! I’m so screwed!”

Gracie and Angie looked at each other and started laughing.

Phoenix clapped Lucifer on the back. “Seriously, congratulations on finding your lifemate. She is a perfect match for you.”

“She is absolutely perfect in every way possible. Even her flaws are perfect.” Lucifer looked at his brother. He had a silly grin on his face. “And she is not one bit afraid to tell me what she thinks.”

“I’m jealous you’ve found your lifemate, but I’m happy too, because I finally have a little sister. I always wanted a sister so I could spoil her rotten. You do know that Father is probably going to spoil her even worse.” He grinned. “You’re the oldest, and you’re the first to find your mate. I wonder which of who will find his mate next? And will our mates be human too?”

“I have a feeling all our mates will be human. I think that’s why Mother forced us into the human world.” said Lucifer. “And don’t remind me about Father. He’s so tough and gruff, but Mother has him so wrapped around her fingers.”

“And there’s nothing wrong with either. I happen to like human females, especially the curvy ones. And like Father, I will spoil her rotten, but I will do everything I can to protect her.” Phoenix waggled his eyebrows. “I’ll be glad when I finally find my lifemate.” His voice was suddenly filled with serious. “I’m tired of being alone.”

“I know what you mean,” said Lucifer. “Now that I’ve found Angie, I don’t know what I would do if I lost her. I don’t even want to remember what it was like before I found her.”

Phoenix nodded toward the wrecked dually. “Then let’s see who this asshole is and permanently remove the problem from Angie’s life. No one threatens my baby sister and gets away with it,” he said as he started walking toward the wreckage. “I’m surprised the demon didn’t hang around to collect the guy’s soul.”

“You noticed that,” said Lucifer.

Phoenix glanced at his brother. “What’s going on?”

Lucifer shook his head. “I’m not sure, but that demon seems to have attached itself to Angie.”

Phoenix’s eyes widened. “Demons don’t attach themselves to people. They collect souls and take them back to Hell. That’s their only function.”

“Don’t you think I don’t know that?” Lucifer sighed.

“There’s more, isn’t there?”

Lucifer nodded. “Not only has it attached itself to her, but I’ve seen it waving at her and giving her a skeletal thumbs up sign when she finally waved back.”

Phoenix stopped and stared at his brother. “She can see the demon? I thought you said she was human.”

“She is human, but she can see the demon. Angie can also see the auras surrounding everyone. She doesn’t know what they all mean, but she can tell the difference between human and nonhuman as well as see the darkness that surrounds some.”

“Bro, do you realize Angie is not only your lifemate, she the light to your dark…your equal…your princess who will stand by your side with powers equal to yours.” Phoenix let out a low whistle. “This is legendary, like Mother and Father’s story.”

“She is already everything to me and more.” Lucifer raised an eyebrow. “If Angie is, that means she is in some real danger, especially while she’s still completely human.”

Phoenix nodded. “Let’s get the guy in the dually and find out what he’s up to and who he is working with before we send him to Hell.”

Lucifer nodded.

Steam rose from the remains of the engine in the crumbled engine compartment. Most of the cab was crushed down. There was no way the doors could be opened without some serious machinery.

Lucifer walked around to what was left of the driver’s side and knelt down. The door window was shattered and lying in pieces on the pavement and inside the cab. He stared at the empty driver’s seat.  The seatbelt was still buckled but slightly swaying.  He looked into the rear seat area. It was empty too. “Is there anyone on your side?”

“No one over here,” said Phoenix.

Lucifer frowned as he stood up. He turned and scanned the surrounding pastures, even though he knew he wasn’t going to find anyone there.

“What the Hell is going on?” asked Phoenix when he joined his brother. “Someone was driving.”

“Someone else wants Angie dead.” Lucifer’s eyes grew dark at the thought of someone wanting to harm Angie. His hands curled into fists. Smoke slowly rose from them. The scent of brimstone filled the air.

“But who? It would have to be someone who believes he or she has something to lose.” Phoenix stared at Lucifer. “Wait a minute. Do you remember that witch you were dating? I think Calista was her name.”

Lucifer nodded his head. “What about her?”

“She wasn’t very happy when you broke it off with her. I remember some of the other witches saying she threatened them if they even said they liked you.” Phoenix ran his hand through his hair. “They said Calista was crazy. There was something about her believing she was your equal and would rule Hell with you.”

Lucifer closed his eyes as he thought back. “I had to block her number because she kept calling me, especially right after we were forced to leave Hell. If it is Calista behind this, I really doubt she is working along. She wouldn’t want to get her hands dirty. But there is someone she might be using.” He opened his eyes and pulled his cell phone out of his back pocket. He scrolled through his emails until he found the one from the Texas State Penitentiary. “Shit! Ted Whitley escaped from prison two months ago.”

“Who is Ted Whitley?” asked Phoenix.

“He is a serial cop killer, except he went after the cop’s entire family. He murdered Angie’s parents. Mother is the only reason Angie survived that night. Damn! Why didn’t I read this sooner?” Lucifer shoved the phone back into his pocket.

“If Calista is after Angie and using this guy to do her dirty work…” He shook his head. “You have to claim her now. You can’t wait.”

“I know. I’m just worried. What if something goes wrong? We’re stuck here in the human realm. What if she needs the pools to aid with her body’s acceptance of the Brimstone Heat? What if her humanity makes her too weak? I would rather have her by my side for an eternity as a human than to try to change her and possibly lose her.” Lucifer voiced his worries. He knew the Brimstone Heat binding would make Angie as immortal, just as he was, but she was completely human and no human had ever been subjected the change the Brimstone Heat would bring about in their body.

“From what I’ve seen and heard about Angie, she is strong. Yes, she is human, but she will survive,” said Phoenix. “Besides, she loves you. She has a reason to live.”

Lucifer nodded. He wanted to bind Angie to him, but he had wanted to do it by the Pools of the River Styx. It was a beautiful and tranquil place, and Angie would absolutely love it. Plus, the pools had healing properties, and help would be nearby if something did go wrong.

“Go home to Angie. I will take care of this,” said Phoenix. “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call. You know we will all be there.”

“Thanks.” Lucifer clapped his brother’s shoulder. He turned and started walking toward Briary Creek and Angie. In three or four steps, he was gone.

*****

Angie carefully cut off the price tag from the last article of clothing she bought at the mall. She folded it and put the jeans on top of one of the many piles she had created on the bed as she sorted the clothes. She chewed her bottom lip as she stared at her new clothes and wondered where she was going to put them. The closet was the obvious choice, but she also needed some drawers for her lingerie.

“I cleared out the top two drawers for you,” said Lucifer as he walked into the room.

Angie squeaked as she spun around. She clutched her chest. “Don’t do that!” she said when she saw him standing there. “You scared the daylights out of me.”

Lucifer laughed and gathered her into his arms. “I didn’t mean to scare you.” He kissed her neck and then her jaw, working his way up until he captured her lips with his lips. He nibbled and sucked on her lower lip, and when Angie gasped with pleasure, he skillfully invaded her mouth with his tongue. Slowly, he broke the kiss and stared down into Angie’s half closed eyes. “You are so beautiful, and you are mine.”

Angie opened her eyes. “And you are mine.” She snuggled against him, enjoying the feel of his strong arms securely around her.

He tucked her head under his chin and let her sweet, musky scent fill him. “Is this all you bought?” he asked as he glanced at the clothing on the bed. There were several piles, but they were small piles. “I expected you to get everything you needed. That’s why I gave you my credit card.”

“About that…” Angie chewed on her bottom lip again.

“Yes, about that.” Lucifer shook his head. “I expected you to buy everything you needed and to use my credit card. You didn’t do either.”

Angie snorted. “It’s not like I don’t have my own money.”

“It is my responsibility to provide for you.”

“And I’m not supposed to do anything but accept it?” she asked as she leaned back and looked up at him.

“Yes.”

She rolled her eyes. “I don’t know what century you’re in, but women in this century hold jobs and earn paychecks. We are capable of buying our own stuff. Don’t give me the responsibility bull crap.” She poked his chest with her finger to emphasize her point.

“I shouldn’t have said responsibility.” Lucifer smiled at his feisty lifemate, enjoying the fact she wasn’t afraid to stand up for her beliefs. “It is my desire and privilege to provide with anything you want or need. I just wanted you to have the means to replace any and all of the items that were destroyed.”

“So you’re not mad at me for not using your credit card?” Angie raised her eyebrows as she asked the question.

“No, I’m not mad at you,” said Lucifer as he shook his head. “I just wanted you to get everything you wanted and not have to worry about the cost.”

“Good.” The muscles in Angie’s shoulders relaxed. “Because I still need to buy a new laptop, and there are several online stores I want to look at, because honestly, the mall doesn’t have very many stores catering to women of my size.”

“There is absolutely nothing wrong with your size. You have beautiful curves in all the right places.” Lucifer’s hands skimmed over her waist and hips. He glanced at the bed. “Are you planning to buy more of the lacy lingerie like those on the bed?”

Angie blushed. “You like those?”

He leaned over and picked up a light blue bra. “I hope you are planning a private showing just for me.”

Angie’s blush deepened. “You could help me pick out some lingerie. And maybe…just maybe…if you’re really good…” she licked her bottom lip. “I’ll give you a special private showing when they come in, but until then you will have to settle with what I have on.”

“And what exactly do you have on?”

Angie took a couple of steps away from him. “If you like that blue bra you have in your hand, you will really love red number I have on.”

Lucifer’s eyes darkened. “I will?” He took a step toward her.

“Maybe.” She took another step back.

Lucifer closed his eyes and willed his body to behave. “We need to talk.”

“We can talk later. Aren’t you curious to know if my panties match my bra.”

He glanced at the lacy number in his hand. The thought of seeing her in it made his cock hard, but the thought of her wearing red lace under her clothes made him harder than he ever thought possible. Lucifer tossed the blue lingerie onto the bed. “Woman, you are devilishly devious,” he said as he watched her slowly unbutton the shirt…his shirt, no less…that she was wearing.

Watching Lucifer’s reaction, Angie was glad she had taken Gracie’s advice and put on red bra and panties. She slowly opened the shirt and let it slide off her shoulders and down to the floor. She pushed out her chest and wiggled her shoulders. “Do you still want to talk?”

“We need to talk about me binding you to me.”

“I’m already yours.” Angie unfastened the button at the waist of her jeans. She slowly unzipped the jeans. She turned around and pushed her jeans over her hips, giving Lucifer a peak at the red boy cut briefs she was wearing. She bent over as she pushed the jeans down her leg, giving him a good view of her ample rear. She heard sharp hiss and smiled. Angie knew she was playing with fire, but it excited her knowing she was turning him on with her impromptu stripping. She stood up and turned around.

Lucifer grabbed the bottom of his t-shirt and pulled it over her his head. He tossed it to the floor, and stared at her. His eyes darkened.

Angie forgot to breathe as she stared at his broad chest. Her eyes skimmed over his chiseled abs to the budge in his jeans. He definitely wanted her. Desire radiated between them. It heated Angie’s skin.

Lucifer’s mouth slowly curved into a smile.

Angie couldn’t take her eyes off of him as he unbuttoned his jeans and slid the zipper down freeing his thick cock from its confinement. “Commando?” she asked.

He winked at her. “Less clothes I have to take off.” He said a couple of words in the ancient language he sometimes spoke. His jeans vanished.

“Hey, that’s cheating!” The growl was Angie’s only warning. Two seconds later she found herself with her back against the wall, and Lucifer devouring her mouth. The smoldering embers of passion flared into heated flames. She kissed him back with the same intensity.