His Little Devil (Alistar Academy #2)

Chapter 10

CHAPTER TEN

SILVER

A fter Luke disappeared through the portal, Kane comforted me and tried to distract me with ice cream and trashy TV, but I still couldn't get the defeated look on his face out of my head.

I knew he loved me, but I never thought he felt inferior to the other guys. He's the Devil for fuck’s sake.

If not for the prophecy he wouldn't blink an eye my way. So is it really out of the realm of possibility for me to think this is all a game to him?

It's true that I love the guys, but I'm starting to fall for Luke as well. I know that I shouldn't, but he’s shown me a new side to him, and it's drawn me in like a dumb moth to his flame.

I always thought he was attractive, and our connection was strong, but he was my professor. It was a college girl crush back then.

How was I to know that he would give me an ultimatum, drag me to Hell, and ask me to marry him? Or that he was the damn Devil?

I think I'm going to need to talk to him, whenever he decides to act like a fucking adult and come back to me.

I can't believe he portaled out of here instead of just having a conversation with me like a man.

Even Kane was confused. Am I really that terrifying?

But for now I just sit here and wait for him to return.

Who knows when that will be though. Time still runs weird down here, and I don't think I'll ever figure it out.

“I'm going to go grab us some of those muffins. I portaled them all to the kitchen,” Kane says before standing and leaving the room.

It's late, and we've already watched two seasons of Desperate Housewives . He says he's only watching it to cheer me up, but secretly, I think he's hooked.

I mean Eva Longoria is a babe and he's loving how sassy Gabriella is.

Someone knocks on the door, and I'm expecting it to be Layna or Thimon, not my damn fiance.

I open my mouth to ask why he's knocking when a person I never thought I would see again steps in front of him and rushes toward me.

I jump out of the bed and run toward her. “Clara?” I shout, and Luke freezes, watching our exchange.

He seems to be thinking really hard about something, but at the moment, I don't care.

We can talk after she leaves. I need a little normalcy.

“Silver, oh, it's so good to see you,” Clara says and I agree. She looks good. Her lavender hair is longer, but she still smells like patchouli and hope.

“We have missed you at choir. The Ascensions need your original compositions.”

I close my eyes and sigh. I haven’t even thought about writing lyrics or singing. Now that she’s mentioned it, I realize that I’ve missed it. Things are just so different down here.

“I didn't know that you sang?” Luke says, but I don't acknowledge him. There is a lot he doesn't know about me.

That's kinda what happens when you just claim a woman as yours and bring her to a new dimension.

Clara turns back to him with a huge grin. “Silver has the most incredible voice, and she's a very talented lyricist.”

Luke stares at me, but I just shrug.

Clara spins back to me and takes my hand.

She peeks over her shoulder at Luke and then lowers her voice. “Jade is worried about you. Hell, so am I, Silver. Are you doing okay? Really?”

I think about my annoying bubbly friend at the Academy and sigh. I haven't realized how much I kinda miss her.

“It's been an adjustment, that's for sure, but Luke is trying his best,” I mumble, and she nods before gently patting my hand.

“You're strong, Silver, and even though your heart is shadowed, it's still pure.”

Luke steps closer to us and mumbles something under his breath. He looks pissed.

“I allowed you passage to my home, and time to speak to my bride, yet you dare to try to silence me from your conversation,” he snaps, and my eyes widen.

Magic is still so new to me, I didn't realize Clara had cast a spell.

“I think it's time for you to go. Silver and I need to speak. We will see you at the ceremony,” Luke commands, and I can feel his powers, the tension growing in the room.

I step forward, giving Clara a quick hug as we say goodbye. Kane walks into the room with two baskets full of muffins and hands one to her.

My cheeks heat, and I know I'm blushing. “I tried a spell today, and it may have been stronger than I planned,” I mumble. Clara shoots me a wink, accepting the basket, then leaves the room with Luke.

Kane hands me the other batch of muffins and places a kiss on my cheek.

“I better go to my room. You and Luke need some time,” he says, then shuffles backwards until he's in the hall.

I wave and he gives me a beaming smile. His dark hair is messy from laying on the pillows, and his cinnamon eyes are shining in laughter.

He's gorgeous and he reminds me of the man I sacrificed. Well, I mean he's still alive, but I still sacrificed my heart for him.

Maybe that's why I feel so calm and safe with Kane.

I wave again and this time he bites his lower lip and shakes his head.

God, I am so awkward at times.

I can hear him laughing as he walks away from the room.

Climbing back in bed, I think about what Clara said, and decide that tomorrow I will start writing songs again.

My lyrics may be permanently darker now, but it was therapeutic for me.

Luke returns, and he quickly strips down to his boxers, then climbs into bed beside me.

He's quiet for a moment, staring at the paused TV, and I'm getting antsy.

“It was nice seeing Clara,” I begin, and he sighs.

“There was a coven meeting tonight. I haven't been attending since you moved here, so I figured I should be seen. Blake and Alara have enough control over the coven, they need to be brought down from that pedestal.”

I roll my eyes and laugh. “Luke, don’t lie to me. You may be the Devil, but don’t ever lie to me. I am going to be your wife.” Crossing my arms, I look over at the TV. It shuts off and Luke moves so he’s in my way.

“You’re mad at me and I know why, but you have to understand, Silver, that this is the way things are done. Inviting the men who you love wasn’t malicious. Do I want them to see that I got the girl in the end? Yes, but making the wedding mandatory is a power move. It’s not only them that have to attend.”

Closing my eyes, I fight not to see their faces. Wellson, Donovan, even Jax… That reminds me.

“Am I going to lose my family's estate or inheritance by marrying you? Blackwell said I needed to marry one of the guys,” I mumble, and Luke’s eyes change to a piercing black as his nostrils flare.

“I hate that fucking worm,” he growls, his body shifting until his wings are revealed and his horns are sticking out of his forehead.

Fuck, I know I should be terrified right now, but he looks really hot like this. Leaning forward, I hesitantly lift my hand and run my fingers over his naked chest. I can feel the power coursing through him, and it's affecting me.

“What is that?” I ask, and he smirks.

“That’s your magic, Little Devil. Do you feel the way it wants to be free and play with mine? We will be a dangerous force together, my queen.”

Luke leans closer, grips the back of my neck and pulls my lips to his. The lights in the room explode and I groan as he forces my mouth to open to his forked tongue. It’s different in his demon form, and I try not to picture a snake kissing me.

I begin laughing and he sighs. Pulling back and taking a few deep breaths, his body changes back to the Luke I know, and he kisses me again.

This time I won't fight it. He still won’t have sex with me, but he lets me touch him while we kiss, and it’s just… It feels right.

Even though I have been fighting it, I do miss the other guys. But right now, in this moment, I think Luke is what I need.

LUKE

Last night was unexpected. I never thought I would be introducing Silver to my other side before the ceremony. Thankfully, she didn’t freak out like I thought she would. If anything, the smell of her lust perfuming the air told me that she was turned on by my beast.

I have a lot to do today, and I still need to track down her pesky ex, and find out if he will be attending the wedding. My sources tell me he’s in a magical realm, made for the protection of witches.

Entering the kitchen, I groan. Silver mentioned that she didn’t like eating in the dining hall because it’s just us, and the table made her miss her family.

I understand, and I am trying to be more understanding about her feelings, but I like having my large table.

It makes me feel powerful, but for now, I will eat in the kitchen like one of the servants, I guess.

“Good morning, my Little Devil.” I lean down and press a quick kiss to her pout, then take my seat beside her. Merida has prepared Eggs Benedict once again. I swear that damn troll needs to learn how to cook something else.

Silver pokes her poached egg, then drops her fork. She seems to have something on her mind this morning.

“Seeing Clara made me think about school, and if I’m going to flunk out because I have been down here. Will I ever be able to return to the Academy? I know this is your home, and in time I will learn to get used to it, but… Luke, I need to get the hell out of… well, Hell.”

Merida excuses herself and leaves the room, and I try to contain my temper.

“We are to be married in a few days, Silver. I can’t just let you leave and return to that school… To those boys.” I grit my teeth and my fork bends from the force I’m squeezing it with.

She sighs and nods, lowering her head. I drop the fork and lift my glass of juice, bringing it to my lips.

“I miss my cat,” she mumbles, and I begin to choke on the sip I just took.

Thimon rushes up to me with a cloth napkin, trying to wipe my face, but I bat him away, then turn to Silver.

Catching my breath, I place my finger under her chin and bring those metallic eyes to mine.

“Silver, baby. You can’t leave Hell. This is your home now. And as for your cat…” She gives me a look with those eyes, and I find myself agreeing.

Fuck! How am I going to give her the cat when I’m sitting beside her? Maybe I can turn one of her ex lovers into a cat...

I smirk at the thought.

“Sure, Little Devil. I will go get your cat.”

She gives me a big smile and leans over to kiss me.

“Thank you, baby.” I raise my eyebrow at the new endearment, finding I quite like it.

After breakfast, I leave her to help finalize some wedding plans, and portal to the Academy. I find Tobias at his hotel, and for once, actually wish that I had called ahead.

I have always loved popping in on people.

The stench of their fear was an aphrodisiac. But seeing Alara’s bare ass bent over Tobias’s desk as he pounds into her was not part of my agenda today.

“Master,” she cries out, and I cringe. Nope. With a wave of my hand, I send her away, and Tobias gasps at me.

“Get dressed,” I bark, and he magics some clothes on. “Now, tell me more about your son,” I order. He starts to babble about how he misses him, and blah blah blah.

“Enough,” I roar, allowing my powers to shake the room. “I don’t want to listen to your drivel. I need to know why he would escape to a protection realm.”

That shuts him up, and his face flashes in different shades of red until he’s ready to explode. He tells me what I already expected—he doesn’t know fuck all.

I give him a smirk, then portal out of there to a small beach town in California.

It’s time I paid someone a visit.

DONOVAN

A knock on the door pulls me from the movie I was watching. I’ve been feeling off the past week, and I think I need to go back to the Academy.

It might be time. The vacation has been nice, but I'm starting to miss my room and my brothers.

Arrow has held the fort down for long enough.

Grabbing the remote, I shut off the TV, and stand to open the door. I already know who it is, since there are only two people here that would come visit me.

Though Frank could pop by. He wants me to go deep sea fishing with him. Says it'll perk me up.

Opening the door, I'm hit by a strong hug and little arms, wrapping around me. Myah laughs, grabbing my arm to help stabilize me from my baby sister's attack.

I still can't believe she's my family. I had a feeling we may have been related but to learn that my father sired her is insane.

I guess it's just a blessing she didn't grow up in my home and has a mom that loves her and would die for her.

“Hey, I’ve been worried about you. Are you doing okay?” Myah asks me as she tries to keep a handle on the casserole in her hand. It smells incredible and has my mouth watering.

I open the door wider to let her and Mylie inside. Mylie releases me and sounds over to the couch, claiming the remote and putting one of her Disney movies on.

Turning back to Myah, I give her a tired smile.

“Yeah, I haven’t been sleeping well, so I’ve stayed home for the past few days,” I tell her as she places the glass dish on the counter and removes the foil.

The aroma of tomatoes and garlic brings me back to when Silver would make us lasagna.

Though I shouldn’t still, I fucking miss her, Arrow, and Wells. I know I need to call Arrow and check in, but I’m not ready yet.

I know he will just ask about the wedding, and right now, I am living in a realm of denial.

It’s better here. We have snacks.

“We have a doctor here, if you think you are getting sick. He specializes in all sorts of medicine and infections,” she mumbles, helping herself to my cabinets for plates and silverware.

This small bungalow has held its purpose for me, but I miss the cottage. Though it's probably not the same now that she's gone, and Wellson is still asleep.

Fuck, I should have brought Arrow with me. I'm a dick. He didn't deserve to be abandoned.

“No, I know what’s wrong, but I’m still not ready yet to acknowledge it,” I say while moving over to the fridge for some drinks.

“What will it be, squirt?” I ask Mylie, and she skips over to grab one of the juice boxes I conjured just for her.

Now that she knows I have magic, I don’t bother hiding it from her. I still can’t believe she’s my little sister.

“Have you called Arrow? I know we talked about your family, and how your dad has been harassing you, but have you thought anymore about going to the wedding?” Myah asks as she dishes our plates.

Shaking my head, I sigh and rub my eyes. I really am fucking exhausted. My father somehow found a way to unblock his number, and he's been sending me nasty messages.

He still doesn’t know where I am, so I’ve been ignoring him.

“Not yet. I’ve been watching his social media, and keeping up on Wellson’s status, but it doesn’t seem to have changed any.” I take a huge bite and ignore her frown while I chew.

“I think it’s time, Don. Call him. From what you’ve told me, he’s important to you. Trust me, you don’t ever want to take the people you love for granted.”

She seems to zone out for a minute. Probably thinking about the friends and family she had to leave behind when she became pregnant.

I open my mouth to ask her something, but she shakes her head and turns to Mylie.

They chat about something that happened at school. I listen to the mindless chatter as I eat, thinking about what she said.

One more week. I will take one more week to sulk over losing my girl, then I will go home, but I am not going to that fucking wedding.

I'd rather be burned alive or skinned, whatever punishment Luke is planning, then watch Silver marry him.

The pain would be more bearable, then seeing her in a wedding dress, walking down the aisle to someone that isn't me.

Shaking my head, I try to clear the thoughts before I either cry or smash something.

Mylie laughs and I turn to her.

“So, squirt, are you excited to leave here and go see my home?” I ask and she smiles before bouncing in her seat.

I know Myah is still nervous about leaving the protection of this town, but I won’t let anything happen to her or my baby sister.

“Yesss! Momma said that I can use my magic there, and no one will bat an eye,” she says with a big smile and I nod, grinning. Her happiness is infectious. I’ve needed her around.

“Yes, we have a whole school dedicated to teaching you how to use your powers,” I say, thinking that I will need to enroll her. Myah turns to me and shoots me a wink before her and Mylie start talking again. This time about how she’s going to decorate her new room.

The cottage is big enough for us all now that she’s no longer there. Myah can have her room. Maybe she will appreciate it.

Silver never knew but Wells, Arrow, and I decorated it for her. We wanted her to feel welcome and have her own space away from the man cave decorating we had.

“Don… Donovan,” Myah says louder, snapping in my face. “Are you okay? Mylie left the table like five minutes ago, and I have been trying to get your attention,” she says with a frown and I sigh.

Rubbing my chin, I groan. “Just a lot on my mind. I’m good. What’s up?” I ask and she shakes her head.

“Nothing, your phone was ringing, but you seemed to be miles away.” I reach into my pocket and pull out my phone. It was Arrow. I’ll call him back later.

“Don’t worry about it. I think I need a walk. Join me?” I ask and she nods.

“Let me just clean all this up,” she mumbles, pushing her seat back, standing. I laugh and snap my fingers, doing it for her.

“I don’t think I will ever get used to that.” She sighs, then points at me. “And do not teach my daughter to be lazy. Just because magic exists, doesn’t mean I won’t still make her do her chores the good old fashioned way.”

I laugh at that and she places her hands on her hips, trying to look intimidating, but she’s more like an adorable kitten with her claws out.

“Fine, yes. I agree that some hard work builds character. And it’s much better than getting whipped.” I mumble that last part under my breath. I’m not ready for Myah to know how truly evil my father is.