Dark Souls Academy: The Sacrifice (Hell Dimension #4)

Chapter 18

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

W aking up to tons of arms slung over my body was a dream. It had to be. The warmth of happiness radiating inside of me couldn’t be real. I swear my body was floating on a cloud in Heaven.

Not that I knew what Heaven was like. Being surrounded by love and happiness was what Heaven stood for, right? I shook my head. I’d never get the chance to know, so it didn’t help me to wonder.

I flinched as the sensation of someone knocking on my brain started up again. Oh, that was what woke me up. One of my faction members demanded my attention. Awesome. Why did I make a faction again? They were lucky if I didn’t kill them. I hadn’t slept well in what felt like years. Assholes.

What!? I snapped out as soon as I opened the link.

Ark’s annoyance leaking through the bond just made me angrier. Where are you? I thought I made myself very clear. The other Incubi community will start to riot and challenge Dex if you aren’t seen with me. As a powerful Queen, you can’t not have a protector at your side. What aren’t you understanding? I can’t control them much longer! His voice was a frantic shout, waking up my mates. Oh, damn, I forgot to turn off the mating bond tether. They could hear the conversation.

Dex sat up glaring at me. “When were you going to tell me?” I didn’t answer him because I wasn’t going to, and he knew it.

I’m at my mates. I’m not out where people can see me, I said.

He paused, but the intrusive sensation was still there so he hadn’t disconnected. Are you back together?

She never ended it with us. I appreciate you helping her, but do not think it means anything more. I tolerate your scent on her because I know you live with her best friend, but don’t think for a second it is me giving you an okay. She is my Queen.

My mate.

My Dreamgirl.

My poison Ivy.

My world.

Dex hummed. See, she is covered. So, back off.

Ark laughed.

I sucked in a sharp breath as my mates all sat up with murder in their gazes. Oh shit. I couldn’t help but enjoy the… audio show? Weird-ass podcast? Whatever. I was enjoying the drama.

Ivy is a Queen, and she can have as many mates, protectors, or lovers as she wants.

They were standing now, pacing. I sat up with my back to the headboard. I needed some popcorn. After dealing with heavy drama where I had to come up with the solution, this was a breath of fresh air to me. My demon strutted inside of me like a fluffed-out peacock at all the male attention.

Kain growled. If you even look at my fucking mate, I’ll ? —

Chill, shadow baby.

I couldn’t help my laugh. The sound burst out of me. Ark had a death wish and why did that make me like him more. He could be a good friend.

I’m not going to do anything with Ivy, unless she asks. I am going to continue to be her assistant because I’m bored, and she’s interesting. She promised to teach me how to torture people. I’m excited. He hung up.

Every eye turned to me. I shrugged. I didn’t have a problem with Ark sticking around. He was pretty to look at, but I had no interest in him. Kain growled again but didn’t say anything.

Trigger stalked over to me. Once he hovered over my body, his strong hand slid through my bedhead. He grabbed a handful of my hair and pulled my head back slowly. Goosebumps sprouted up along my flesh.

“You’re mine.” His voice was deeper and more demanding than I’ve ever heard from him. I smiled, with my demon darkening my features. He wasn’t deterred.

He tugged harder when I didn’t say anything. I licked my lips and gave in, done with my teasing. “Yes.”

He licked my cheek. “Good girl.”

Before he was off the bed, Kain grunted, “Ours.”

Trigger just waved him off. He was almost off the bed but stopped, lying back down and wrapping his arms around me. His face pressed against my skin, so he could smell me.

For the next half an hour we took turns showering. Trigger and Dex shared my shower to save time and water. The quickie in the shower had nothing to do with it.

I dressed in my leathers and boots, used my air magic to dry my hair, and settled back on the bed in the brothers’ room. Or was it our room? My old room was more of a library anyway. Maybe, we’d see. That was a dilemma for another time.

“So, let’s talk,” I said, watching as the men tensed at my words.

“If you’re giving us bad news, just keep it to yourself,” Bones said. He marched over and sat on the floor in front of me, grabbed my hand, and put it on his head. My fingers instantly ran through his soft blonde curls. He moaned in satisfaction. It made my core tighten, but it also made my heart flap around like a newly made butterfly, testing out its wings.

Trigger snickered. “You were saying? And I call dibs for next.” I winked at him but got serious again while still petting my Wrath Demon.

“So, let me get this all out before you start bombarding me with questions.” I met each of their eyes to tell them that I was serious. “I have one of the seven Sins in the dungeon. It’s Lust. He wants to work with us—go back to Lucifer to act as our intel. He’s willing to tell us how to kill a few of the other Sins, who he agrees need to die, and wants a role in the government we will set up once Lucifer is out of the picture. I also discovered that Lucifer and the Sins need the damned souls to survive. They all eat together at the same time and place, which might be a way for us to strike.” It all spilled out in one breath, but I hoped I covered the important points.

“That’s why my brother gave me the gift yesterday. Ark who is acting as my assistant was tasked with finding answers. I wouldn’t have asked my brother for help, so I’m glad it worked out. I know Lucifer isn’t going to kill all the slaves, but with Lust’s help, we could find out why he did it. Maybe.” When I took a breath, it was silent. It only lasted a few seconds.

“Shit. That’s a lot,” Dex said while he brushed his dark hair, maneuvering it around his horns. He sounded guilty. I knew it was because I was having to do everything on my own lately. “At least it’s good news, though.”

Kain was pulling up his black leather pants. His toned ass distracted me, so when he turned around that smirk was on his lips for a good reason. He was fucking delicious.

“Focus, beautiful. He asked you a question,” Bones said as he patted my ankle.

“Sorry, what?” My cheeks were red and Bones kissing my inner thigh wasn’t helping.

“I asked what’s been going on the past few weeks?” Kain said. He rolled up his long-sleeved black shirt to his elbows, making me sound like a bitch in heat with the way I panted. Damn. What were these men doing to me?

I cleared my throat. “I was taught the most effective way to torture. I’ve hunted every night, and taught people how to efficiently hunt and train. Talked to the informants who have gone silent as of three days ago. Paying for more upgrades for the Heaven because I keep sending people over there. I also got a shit ton of potion ingredients for us and our people to have in the fight. Protecting the academy and running the faction. I’ve been fucking busy.” The more I said the more my voice sounded irritated.

“Whose fault was that.” Kain’s words made my eyes flash red.

“Shut the fuck up. Remember what we discussed—no more fighting over this,” Alaric interrupted, his tone firm. My shock put a damper on my irritation.

Kain bit his lip and nodded, falling silent. That right there, made any anger or turmoil disappear. They fucking heard me! Yes!

Alaric stalked over to me, not caring that he was practically shoving his dick in Bones’ face, his lips slammed onto mine. His kiss devoured me as if he wanted to eat my very soul. Bones made a sound of annoyance but didn’t push him away.

When Alaric pulled back his eyes were hazel, not the red that came along with his vampire side. “We’re sorry that you had to do all that shit on your own, but you don’t have to anymore. Got it?”

I nodded. I was too stunned to even speak.

Alaric stepped away and returned to the book he’d left on the couch. Bones grabbed my hand again, reminding me he was still there. I smirked down at him and gave his left ear a playful tug. He turned and snapped at my fingers in jest. The relaxing spell for the shower that Alaric’s father had given him had soothed Bones as well. I’d have to thank him next time he dropped by unexpectedly.

“He’s right. Sorry. I’m still a little mad. I’ll get over it,” Kain said as he ran his hand through his hair. The dark shadows leaked off him as if it was a magical contour for his body.

I nodded. “We all need time. I get it.” So, we had some issues to get over, I was still glad to have these men on my side.

“As for Lust, I think we should agree to use him. As long as the brothers don’t say he’s one of the shady sins. I also don’t think we should try to get to the feeding place. The school is well guarded and our territory, and if we stay at the academy, it’ll be a ground fight. Maybe send another group there to go after them? I don’t know, but I don’t want Ivy going back to Lucifer’s home.”

Alaric was right, I really didn’t want to go back to the Devil’s lair. It gave Lucifer too much power.

“Agreed,” Kain said.

Slowly the others gave their okay. When all eyes went to me, I gave them a sharp nod. I’d respect their wishes for now.

See, we could do this. Compromising with each other was the key. That and communication.

“Your mates didn’t do jack shit while you were gone but mourn your absence and search for you. Well, we killed trespassers and any threats to you, and protected each other, but that’s normal. We need to continue the plan for getting our powers back,” Trigger said as he jumped on the bed and put his head in my lap. Clearly done waiting for his turn.

I obliged and ran my fingers through his shoulder length brunette hair as well. I never did tell them my secret. I nibbled on my lower lip, ashamed. I should have told them this. They could have been free, but then we got in that argument.

“About that?—”

“Hold the phone, let’s finish this talk in the kitchen. Cereal is calling my name,” Dex said and practically ran to the door.

I tapped on my two needy mates to get them to move.

“But I just got here.” Trigger pouted, so I flicked his nose. “Hey.” It did the trick. He got up. “Fine, but you owe me.” He helped Bones get up while Kain waited next to me to offer his hand.

“Are we going to like this oh-shit moment you just had?” he asked. When he put my arm in his like in the old movies, I might have swooned a little.

I shook my head instead of answering. He sighed. I just hoped they weren’t too mad. I know I’d be if the roles were reversed, and that made it so much worse.