Feature Writer: AdAnne
Feature Title: THE VIRGIN PRIEST 11 & 12
Published: 15.03.2022
Story Codes: Demonic
Synopsis: Luke finally gets what he has been craving
The Virgin Priest 11 & 12
CHAPTER 11
Asmodeus leaned his head against the wall. When Luke left, he was surprised at how he felt. Had he really admitted to wanting to bond with the human? He had pretended like the pain had subsided this morning, but really it hadn’t. It had settled deep in his mending bones. Having Luke next to him had helped keep it at bay. His niece’s burst of power had actually impressed him. He knew she would grow into the power she was born with, but Luke brought it out hard and fast.
It was true that he wanted his brother’s throne, but he wouldn’t sacrifice Luke to do it. He couldn’t. The way the priest looked up at him… Asmodeus couldn’t deny his growing attraction to him. Not that he had ever doubted he was attracted to the priest. He had laid eyes on the man long before Shynra had. When he came to her cottage and saw her mark on Luke’s back? He had about flown into a rage right there. He had planned on inserting himself into the Priest’s life slowly, but Shynra had flown in like a tornado and swept him away.
Asmodeus shook his head. It did no good to dwell on it. Shynra had agreed to let him ‘visit’ Luke. Whatever those terms would be, Asmodeus would follow them. Being a small part of the man’s life was better than not being in it at all.
Luke sucked in a deep breath as Lily led him into her father’s office. The room was larger than life. It matched the formidable man sitting behind a solid wood desk. He would have guessed it was mahogany, but he wasn’t sure that mahogany existed here. The King sat behind his desk. He wasn’t quite as regal as Luke imagined a king would be. Lily’s father looked up at them. There was nothing but admiration in his eyes. Strangely, Luke felt at ease.
“Look at the lovely couple!” He exclaimed. Luke smiled awkwardly. He had only met Lily’s father once, and he had never held a conversation with him.
“Indeed,” Lily beamed, and reached over to take Luke’s hand in hers. He welcomed the feeling of her dainty palm in his hand and clasped his hand over hers quickly.
“We may look good, but that doesn’t mean we’re not broken,” Luke muttered. Lily tightened her hand around his, not in warning, but in comfort. Her eyes were downcast. He felt the guilt in her. She knew she hated the pain he was going through right now.
“Yes, my daughter seems to take after her father in that regard. You’ll have to excuse her hasty decision making, Priest. My line tends to do anything for those they hold dear, you can ask her mother about that,” Samael winked at Lily.
“What did you need us for, Dad?” Lily asked quietly.
Samael motioned to the couch at the far end of the room. “Please, take a seat. Make yourselves comfortable. It’s just a friendly chat.”
Luke obliged. The couch was quite comfortable.
“Luke, I heard you went to visit my brother after the incident last night. Tell me, how is he this morning?” Samael started.
“As well as can be expected, I suppose. After having every bone in his body crushed and pulled from their sockets. And then denied his healing speed. He was in agony all night.” Luke said tightly.
“Destruction would have rained on us all if he had his power last night. Surely he told you that,” Samael said, “But never mind that, I want to know how you came to care for two of the most dear people in my life. My daughter and heir, and my brother, her archnemesis. It is interesting to me.”
Luke shrugged, “How do you come to care about anyone?”
“Well, I mean, my brother did kidnap you. He stole you from Shynra, refused to give you back. What made you want to go back to him?”
“Father, do we have to discuss this?” Lily asked, the pain evident in her voice. Luke reached over and grabbed her thigh. He was angry at her, but she was hurt, too.
“I honestly don’t know, sir. I felt drawn to.” Luke answered honestly. “I wanted to be with him and being around him calms my spirit.”
“Hmm. You don’t have any other strange marks on you, do you?” Samael asked.
Lily’s eyes bulged at her father’s implication, “You don’t think that Asmodeus would dare mark him, do you?”
Her father shook his head, “No, I don’t. I don’t think he would ever do such a thing intentionally. Asmodeus loves his immortality, he would never bind himself with a lesser being. No offense, Priest.”
“None taken,” Luke sighed, “No, I haven’t noticed any other marks.”
“Good, good.” Samael looked over to Lily. “Shynra, I heard you offered Asmodeus visitation, that’s big of you.”
“If it will keep Luke happy, I will do anything.” Lily replied.
“Indeed. Luke, has anyone asked you how you feel about that? Or how you feel about any of this, for that matter?” Samael asked.
Luke shook his head, “No, no they didn’t.”
“Well, how do you feel?” Samael nudged.
“Overwhelmed,” Luke replied, “Like I don’t have control over my life anymore.”
“If we gave you control over it, where would you go? With Asmodeus or would you stay here with Shynra?”
Luke thought for a moment. As he thought, he realized he didn’t really need to. “I’d stay here with Li… Shynra.”
Samael chuckled, “You know her by her human persona, I forget. But you can’t forget that she is a demon, as is my brother. She is a very powerful demon, at that.”
“Yes, I’ve seen that,” Luke said bitterly. “I’d still stay here with her. I may care about Asmodeus, but I don’t know his motives. I know hers, and I know they’re all in my favor. Even her letting Asmodeus come see me. She’s doing that for me.”
Samael nodded in agreement, “She is doing that for you. You are right. How do you feel about everything else? About being King one day?”
“Like it will probably be another thousand years before that ever happens. And I don’t know if I want to live that long,” Luke said truthfully.
“I understand that. You were not born to this world with the promise of eternal life, it has been gifted to you halfway through yours. It’s understandable that it would frighten you.”
“What do you even do with an indefinite lifespan?” Luke asked.
“Keep busy,” Lily said softly, “You keep busy.”
“Luke, if you want this, we will ready you for your role as Shynra’s king, as her equal. That’s what you are. You have proved that you are powerful enough in your own right by being able to survive her bond. You just need to find out what your power is and hold on to it.”
“Do I actually have a choice?”
Samael cocked his head to the side, “You may be in Hell, Luke, but you always have a choice. You are a member of the Royal family whether you want to be or not. You have to choose to accept your role. I’m sure Shynra has explained how important consent is here.”
Luke nodded, “She has, but I thought that only applied to her.”
“At first it did. Now you are bound to her, everyone has to show you the same courtesy. You are an authority here, Luke. Our servants will refer to you as your title, ‘his highness’, or ‘your highness’. You are not used to being royalty, but that’s what you are to our people. They love you, they respect you, they look up to you. They will look to you for decisions. Are you prepared for that?”
Luke shook his head slowly, “No. But I can learn to be.”
“You’re used to being an authority figure at your church, this isn’t much different. You know how to lead, you are charismatic, you talk to large groups of people with ease. It will come more naturally than you think. We have faith in you to bring our people together alongside Shynra.”
Luke squeezed Lily’s thigh a little harder. She laid her hand on top of his. She could feel how overwhelmed he was.
“Luke, you will never be alone in this,” she reassured him, “I will always be by your side. We cannot rule separately.”
“She’s right, son.” Samael said softly, “You will never be alone. You will always have a guide, but you must choose this.”
“It’s a big decision to make in the moment, don’t you think?” Luke said nervously.
“Every decision you make as a ruler will be big, son. And it will have the ability to affect many lives that are under your care. Get used to making them now rather than waiting until you have no choice.”
Luke swallowed harshly, trying to clear the lump in his throat. “I’ll do anything if Lil.. Shynra is by my side.”
Samael clapped his hands together with pride, “You chose well, Shynra! Now, why don’t we put forward negotiations with my brother? We need to get him out of here.”
Excitement rushed through Luke at the thought of seeing Asmodeus again. Lily nodded, and Samael pulled a small phone out of his pocket. About ten minutes later, Samael’s Guard walked in with Asmodeus. The demon was still bound, but now he was also clothed. His eyes searched wildly around the room until they landed warmly on Luke. Luke wanted nothing more than to get up and pull the demon into an embrace, but he had the distinct feeling that would be frowned upon.
“Nice of you to join us, brother,” Samael said and pointed to a seat across from Luke and Lily. “Take a seat.”
“As if I ever had a choice,” Asmodeus joked. “Hello, my Priest.”
Luke smiled back at him. Lily’s body went rigid next to his. To her credit, she did not say anything. Luke could feel her jealousy flare up in her, but she was working hard to push it down. He just hoped she wouldn’t lash out again.
“Hello, Asmodeus,” he said warmly. Lily growled low next to him. He shot her a look. She seemed to get the hint, and she backed off.
“Why don’t we get right to it, then?” Samael announced, “It seems that our Priest has taken a liking, however unfortunate, to you, brother. In the wake of that, as the leader of the territory of Wrath, head of this household, and the rightful King and Supreme Leader of this realm, I want to set forward a list of rules for visitation that have been agreed upon by my heir and I between you and her bond mate, also the future King.”
“You always have been a fan of words, my Supreme Leader,” Asmodeus rolled his eyes as he spoke, sarcasm thick in his words, “But let’s get on with it, because yes, I would like to have another date with the sweet priest’s ass.”
Lily’s eyes darkened and her rage whipped across the room. Fear shot through Luke. Fear for his lover, and fear for what his lover would do to his mate.
“Lily please,” Luke begged. She turned to look at him, her eyes black. “Please don’t do anything stupid.”
“Like crush him for pleasure?” her voice had taken that inhuman quality again. It was dark and commanding, and it made Luke want to listen and bend to her will. Not that she would have to convince him to do that, he would happily do it. “Don’t worry, Luke, I made you a promise and I intend to keep it. He’s no threat to either of us right now, only to my nerves. But do keep running your mouth, Uncle, and you’ll see how sadistic the daughter of Wrath can truly be.”
“I love that you’re finally embracing the ruthlessness of your roots, niece, I just wish you would direct your ire elsewhere. I mean your priest no harm, just endless amounts of toe curling pleasure.”
Lily snarled but did not reply. Luke let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding in. Asmodeus’ sandy blonde hair had fallen in front of his eyes again, and Luke fought not to reach forward and push it away. He wanted to touch the demon. He cleared his throat abruptly.
“Can we stop fighting and just get through this, please?” Luke asked.
Samael laughed, “If you think this is a fight, son, you have a lot to learn about demons. They don’t like to share what is theirs. This is quite diplomatic.”
“Diplomatic but not fair,” Luke countered, “Lily holds all the power in the room and Asmodeus is still separated from his. He’s about as powerful as I am.”
“Bite your tongue, Priest,” Asmodeus said, “I may be without magic, but I hold more power than a human.”
“No, brother, he’s right. The power balance is skewed,” Samael gestured to the Guard in the back of the room, “Release him from his bonds. As long as he doesn’t try anything funny, he can keep them off.”
Asmodeus raised his hands in deference, “I promise I will be good.”
Lily shot her father a look, but relief flooded through Luke as the Guard released the bonds on his lover’s wrists. He felt Asmodeus’ power trickle through the room. The demon stayed true to his word, however, and stayed put in his chair. He was as calm as he had been when the bonds were on.
“Now can we talk about when I can come and see this magnificent man? I’ve been away from my home for far too long, I’d like the simple comforts of my home.”
Samael nodded, and continued, “We have agreed that Luke can choose any three days of the week to summon you. But only three. There will be no exceptions. If you do not answer his summons, you will have to wait until the next time he calls on you. I would suggest that you line these times up when you’re together to avoid any conflicts,” Samael looked pointedly at Luke, “And your meetings with him should not take from your relationship with my daughter.”
Luke nodded his agreement. He didn’t want his relationship with Lily to be over, in fact, he loved her as much as he did Asmodeus. Was it not possible to love them both?
“I can agree to that,” Asmodeus said, his hands in his lap. He turned to look at Luke, “Are you okay with that?”
“Yes,” Luke replied. He looked over to Lily. She was silent next to him. He knew she didn’t agree with it, but she wouldn’t deny him either. “The agreement says up to three times a week, Lily. That doesn’t mean it will happen three days every week.”
Lily ignored him.
“Oh, but it will, sweet Priest,” Asmodeus said, his voice slick with promise, “I’ll take you so many times that you’ll be begging for more when I leave. I’ll have you wanting me so badly, you won’t be able to find release without me.”
Luke’s cock twitched with need. This was not the time or the place. Lily’s power assaulted the room. It wasn’t directed at anyone, and it didn’t cause any harm, but it was definitely a warning.
“I may be allowing you access to him, but do not forget that he belongs to me.” Lily spat. Luke spun around to face her.
“I do not belong to anyone,” he said defiantly, “I choose to stay here with you because I want to. Please don’t make me regret that. Stop talking about me like I’m a pawn to be bartered over!”
Lily’s upper lip curled with disgust, “I wouldn’t if we were having this discussion with anyone other than him. You are my most prized possession, Priest. I do not want to share you, especially not with this treasonous son of a bitch.”
“She does have her demon fire back!” Asmodeus exclaimed, “This is getting good now.”
Samael shook his head. “I think we need to wrap this up. Guard, take Asmodeus and Luke to their chambers. Let them have a proper goodbye, then escort my brother back to his home.”
“You hate fun, don’t you, brother?” Asmodeus laughed.
“Don’t waste the one free visit we’re giving you, Asmodeus. This is my apology to you for my daughter’s behavior last night, and how we had to handle your recovery. I hope Luke offered you some comfort.”
Asmodeus stiffened, “He did.”
“Very well,” Samael motioned to the Guard, “Do as I said, take them.”
Luke let go of Lily’s leg and excitedly followed the Guard through the house. All he could think of was seeing Asmodeus whole again. Remembering him broken as he was last night still hurt. He didn’t think it was possible for a creature as powerful as Asmodeus to be reduced as far as he had been. Asmodeus winked at him as they entered the lavish room and closed the door behind them.
“So what do you want to do to me, Luke? I suppose this will be my proper thank you.” He teased.
“Hearing you call me by my name is strange,” Luke admitted.
“Lots of things in this world, and across the realms, are strange. Your name isn’t one of them.” Asmodeus said as he drew Luke into him. “As a matter of fact, I quite like saying it.”
“I always thought demons would hold their feelings close. Your kind surprises me,” Luke laughed, “You admit things so freely.”
Asmodeus smiled, “That’s because humans believe that feelings make you weak. We don’t believe that here. Our feelings make us strong, they create alliances and relationships. It’s why Shynra’s jealousy doesn’t bother me, but it makes you so uncomfortable. Demons feel freely, you should try it, Luke.”
“I’ll have to think about it,” Luke said. Asmodeus had removed Luke’s shirt while they were talking. Luke wished he would just use his power as he had in the cottage to make their clothing disappear. Asmodeus pressed his lips to Luke’s neck. Luke shuddered in response. His hands were locked on Luke’s waist, keeping him in place. Luke reached forward and brushed the feathers of the wings on his lover’s back. Asmodeus shivered.
“Yes, that feels good,” Asmodeus whispered against Luke’s chest, “No one has stroked my wings in ages.”
Luke took the encouragement and continued. Asmodeus moaned against him and pulled Luke tight to him. The demon was taking his time.
“I want to savor you, Luke. Give you a proper thank you,” he muttered, “I’m going to take my time and show you how this is supposed to be done.”
Heat flared in Luke’s body. Lily hadn’t even done this for him. She had given him all the time in the world to explore her, but she didn’t explore him. He supposed that was the difference between the two. Lily needed to feed on lust to survive, and Asmodeus survived to give lust. It may be a fine line, but it made all the difference.
“The need… I want you so bad it hurts,” Luke moaned. He buried his fingers in Asmodeus’ hair. His demon Prince was getting closer and closer to where he wanted him the most. His cock was pressing at the seams of the pants he was wearing.
“I’m glad to see you embrace the need now, Luke. It was hard to see you fight it.” Asmodeus slid his hand down and stroked Luke through his pants. Luke thrust his hips into the demon’s palm. “Especially when I could see how bad you craved it. I could feel how bad you want the demon cock in my pants.”
“Are you going to torture me with your words or are you going to fuck me properly?” Luke asked, exasperated.
“Maybe a little of both,” Asmodeus laughed against him.
Asmodeus tugged at the waistband of Luke’s pants, and they came down without a fight. Luke hadn’t bothered putting on anything underneath them. Since coming here, he found underclothing redundant. The fabric of his demon provided clothing was much softer than any fabric he wore in his human life. Asmodeus reached down and cupped him firmly. Luke gasped, relishing the touch.
Electricity lit through his body as Asmodeus ravished him. The demon cut no corners, leaving no inch of his stomach untouched. He made sure every inch of Luke from his neck to his groin got attention. He didn’t give in to Luke’s darkest desires, though. What Luke wanted was to feel the demon’s mouth wrapped around his length. He moaned at the thought. Asmodeus rose and covered Luke’s body with his own. He lowered himself down and pressed his mouth hungrily against Luke’s. Luke accepted his kiss hungrily and reached up to hold the demon firmly against his lips. His hands slid back into Asmodeus’ sandy blonde hair, happily tangled in the demon’s curls. Asmodeus pushed his erection against Luke, the fabric of his pants rubbing up against Luke in a way that drove him crazy.
Luke groaned into Asmodeus’ mouth, letting his body fall in sync with the demon’s movements. Luke’s breathing got shallower as the demon’s movements got more frantic. He could feel himself teetering on the edge of release when the demon pulled back, a sly smile on his face.
“I didn’t say you could come yet,” he said. Luke groaned. “I haven’t had a taste of you, why would I let you come before you’ve had any fun?”
“You really think I’m not having any fun?” Luke asked.
“Oh, you are, but you haven’t experienced anything yet.” Asmodeus teased.
When Luke looked down, the demon was naked in front of him. The great length of him stood out at attention, and Luke reached out to grab it. Asmodeus slid it into Luke’s palm, a look of satisfaction crossing his face as Luke stroked him. Luke sat up and pulled Asmodeus forward with his free hand. He wanted to feel Asmodeus in his mouth. The demon gasped as Luke took him in, swirling his tongue around the tip. He was a little unpracticed, but the demon was delighted. Luke slid the demon’s cock in and out of his mouth, trying to find the rhythm that pleased his lover the most. Asmodeus’ breath hitched. Before Luke brought him to his release, he pulled out of Luke’s mouth.
Luke looked up at him with disappointment. Asmodeus shook his head. “Lay on your back, Luke. Spread your legs for me.”
Luke did as he was told. Asmodeus ducked between his legs and buried his face in Luke’s ass. Luke bucked as the demon’s mouth assaulted him. Asmodeus’ hands were stimulating his other bits, but all he could focus on was the feeling of his tongue in forbidden places. Asmodeus grunted against him, pulling Luke in close, not wanting him to move. He slid up and took Luke’s balls into his mouth. Luke moaned. Asmodeus paused for a second before spreading Luke’s legs farther apart.
“I want to see your face when I enter you, my sweet priest.” Asmodeus said. He dropped one of his hands in between them and guided his cock to Luke’s entrance. Slowly, he pressed into Luke.
A moan tumbled out of Luke’s mouth as Asmodeus filled him. His eyes clenched shut and his face went slack with pleasure. “There we go, relax and let me fill you up,” Asmodeus whispered in Luke’s ear. He was nearly breathless, “You’re so tight around me.”
Asmodeus claimed Luke’s mouth once again as he started pumping into Luke. He grunted into the priest’s mouth along with his thrusts, the feeling inside him as electric as it was inside Luke. Luke’s eyes were wild with excitement as he kissed Asmodeus back. Luke let his tongue explore the demon’s mouth. Asmodeus was hitting that one spot inside of him with each thrust. His pleasure was growing higher and higher. Asmodeus pressed his body tighter against Luke, trapping Luke’s cock between their bodies. Luke grunted at the friction. Luke dropped his hand and slid it in between them to stroke himself. Asmodeus backed up a fraction to allow it. Luke’s breathing sped as Asmodeus thrust into him harder. Luke’s body was bouncing in time to his thrusts.
Luke’s back arched as his orgasm overcame him. He called out into Asmodeus’ mouth, feeling the demon’s name tumble off his tongue. His release splashed hot on both of them, and Luke let his hand fall away as the last of it coated their bodies. He looked at Asmodeus, who was in the throes of his own release, and as the demon pumped his release inside Luke, a searing pain ripped through his left shoulder, claiming him in a way that he hadn’t felt since Lily marked him. The pain was consuming, but it wasn’t entirely unpleasant. As it subsided, he saw Asmodeus staring down at him, his gaze lazy but shocked.
“Well, it seems things have taken an interesting turn, Priest,” he mumbled as he leaned over and kissed where the pain had been, “It’s perfect, but I don’t know how it happened.”
“How what happened?” Luke asked, only half wanting to know the answer.
“You accepted my mark, Priest. I wasn’t trying to give it to you, but it’s here, right over your beating human heart.” Asmodeus traced it with his fingers. Luke looked down and saw an A emblazoned on his chest in fancy script. “My niece isn’t going to be happy about this.”
Luke smiled up at him and guided his head back. “Kiss me, demon. Stop worrying about Lily.”
Asmodeus obliged, and scooped Luke up into his embrace. He didn’t have much time before his brother’s Guard took him away. He relished the feel of the human in his arms, and he could feel Luke’s contentment resonating through their newfound bond. He smiled as he tucked his head into the crook of the Priest’s neck. Never had he felt so at ease, and never would he have thought he would have found this feeling in the arms of a human.
CHAPTER 12
Luke wriggled out from under Asmodeus’ grip. He was stunned that his demon hadn’t been escorted out already, but he didn’t actually know how long they had been sleeping, either. Luke walked around the room. It wasn’t as opulent as Lily’s. He didn’t suppose it would be, considering that it was for him and Asmodeus. It wasn’t uncomfortable, though.
There was a full-length mirror in one corner, and Luke walked over to it. He knew what his body looked like; he had seen it when he was drying off after a shower. He had just never thought of it in the way he did now. It was a tool for his pleasure. Luke smiled as he drug his hand up his side. He worked hard on his physical form. It was the only vanity he allowed himself. He dropped his gaze down to his hips. The only thing he had never paid attention to was what hung between his legs. He turned to face the mirror.
What he had wasn’t as imposing as what Asmodeus had. Luke grabbed his cock in his hand, admiring it for the first time in his life. It had brought him immeasurable amounts of pleasure over the last few days. He had been told his whole life that succumbing to that pleasure would damn him. His parents always told him that he needed to remain chaste to be worthy of God and God’s kingdom. Their tales of Hell had scared him so much that he never even gave his cock a second thought throughout his life.
He had started noticing his urges right before he joined the priesthood. They confused him, his pull to both men and women. If there was something more forbidden than pleasuring himself, it was admitting attraction to other men. He supposed that wasn’t a problem now, though. He was already in Hell. Might as well enjoy himself while he was here, right? Guilt coursed through him. He clenched his hand around himself a little too tight and swore. No matter what he said, or how he tried to ease his conscience, what he was doing was fundamentally wrong. Nothing his demons told him could erase that teaching inside him. It didn’t matter how much he welcomed their advances, that guilt would always eat at the back of his mind.
Luke jolted when a pair of strong arms circled around him. His Demon Prince laid a kiss against his neck and scooped him into a warm embrace. Luke stiffened, but Asmodeus did not let go. Luke wasn’t entirely sure he wanted to be let go.
“You’re thinking too much,” Asmodeus whispered, “Relax. We don’t have much time left tonight.”
Luke sighed, “How am I supposed to relax? Everything I’m doing right now… Everything is against what I was taught.”
The demon shrugged, “I guess it’s time to learn new things.”
Luke settled back against his chest. He caught their reflection in the mirror. Nothing about it seemed wrong to him. The fancy, scripted A on his chest was glowing softly. Asmodeus reached up and traced it lightly. As much as Luke was warring with himself, nothing about this felt wrong. As a matter of fact, he felt complete. That just confused him more.
“You can reach me through this, Luke. When you’re ready for me to come back, just reach out to me. You’ll know how.” Asmodeus said and backed away from him slowly. “I don’t want to leave you, but they’re here now.”
As the demon left him, Luke felt empty. He turned to face his lover, but he was already gone. Luke sighed heavily. He yearned for the simplicity of his old life. He just wanted to be the dutiful human priest again. He didn’t want to be caught up in these demon politics, and most of all, he didn’t want to be king.
Lily had felt Luke’s content all night through their bond. There was undeniable jealousy in her, but it oddly brought her comfort. She hadn’t felt him more at ease since before they first got together. She just hated that the comfort came from her uncle’s embrace. She had received word that Asmodeus had left their home in peace, without provocation from the Guard. She was making her way to Luke now, but she could sense that he was conflicted. When she entered the room, she saw him standing in front of a mirror. He wasn’t doing anything but standing there.
“Are you okay, Luke?” She asked quietly. She wasn’t on the best of terms with him. She didn’t want to anger him by being here. To her surprise, anger wasn’t what resonated between them, it was relief.
“No,” he admitted, “I’m not.”
“I don’t want to intrude on this space, Luke. It’s not for me.” She wanted to go to him so badly, but she wasn’t going to betray his trust. “Get dressed and come back to our room.”
She watched him nod his agreement, his head hung low. She didn’t wait for him to follow her back. Lily knew that he would come. She wasn’t sure how she knew that, but she was certain of it. She reached her room and sat down in the sitting area. She didn’t know how long it would take him to reach her, but she was fine with waiting.
He didn’t keep her waiting very long. He lumbered into the room shortly after she sat down, his whole body resonating with defeat. He met her eyes, and what she saw in his scared her. Luke was beaten down. He wasn’t vibrant as he had been when she first laid eyes on him. It seemed he hadn’t accepted where he was, he had just given in to it. He took a seat on the bed across from her.
“Luke,” she started slowly, “What’s wrong?”
Luke dropped his head and sighed heavily. She could hear the cracks in his voice as he spoke, “I don’t know what my life is anymore, Lily. I enjoy this place, but I know I shouldn’t.”
“There’s no reason you shouldn’t enjoy your home,” Lily replied.
“My home is in Hell. I shouldn’t be so comfortable here.” He groaned.
Lily laughed softly, “Your human world did give you the wrong impression of us, Luke. We’re not as bad as you think.”
Luke met her gaze, “I don’t think you’re bad and that’s the problem. I like it here.”
“As you should,” Lily said as she walked over to him. She captured his chin in her hand and tilted his head up to hers, “Our world is made for your pleasure. Your kind, and your God, want us to seem evil by telling you stories of hellfire and brimstone. Truth is, we cater to the carnal pleasures here. There are no rules to enjoying yourself.”
“Except for with Asmodeus,” Luke said under his breath. Lily tensed. He sensed it, “I’m sorry, Lily. I know you don’t like it. I don’t want to upset you. But I want to be able to see him whenever I want.”
“That can’t happen,” Lily said.
It could happen, she thought, she just wasn’t going to let it. She sensed Luke’s frustration, and a soft glow came from his shoulder. Curious, she let his chin go and dropped her hand to his shirt and started to lift it. He tensed as she lifted his shirt, but he didn’t stop her. She searched his chest for the source of the glow, and when her eyes found the new mark on his chest, they widened in shock. Her jealousy was at full force now, tinged with anger.
“What is this?” She asked, trying to keep her voice even. Luke stood to his full height and pulled Lily close to him.
“It’s a mark,” he said, not fully comprehending what it meant, “But I’m no less yours because of it.”
“Why would you do this? You’re his now, too!” Lily shouted. She hadn’t meant to raise her voice, but she was hurt. Luke seemed to understand that because he tightened his grip around her, pulling her flush against his body. She sank into him. “You’re supposed to be mine.”
“I’m here with you, aren’t I?” He stated, “I don’t know how this happened, Lily. Neither of us do.”
Lily huffed against his chest. There was no sense in being mad at him, there was nothing she could do about it now. “You’ll be my king, Luke. That has to come first.”
Luke stroked her back, “Lily I care about you, and I made you a promise. I will keep my promise to you as you have kept yours to me.”
Lily wrapped her arms around Luke, reveling in the feel of his rock-hard body against her own. She nodded her answer. “I want you, Priest. More than I’ve ever wanted anyone. But your heart is with someone else, isn’t it?”
Luke paused before he finally answered, “My heart is with both of you and none of it makes any sense.”
Lily pushed away from him and rose up on her toes. She brought her hand up to his face and gently brought him down to her. She kissed him gently, waiting on him to reciprocate. He did, hungrily consuming her with his own mouth. She moaned into him, letting him claim her. His hands locked around her hips and drew her back into him. She felt his erection against her stomach. She wanted so badly to claim him again, but she had a feeling that he wasn’t ready for it yet.
“Do you want to go any further?” She asked against his mouth.
Luke shook his head, and pulled away from her, “Not with Asmodeus on my skin. It wouldn’t be right.”
Lily backed away from him and sat back on her chair. He was right, of course. And it touched her to know he was still thinking of her. She just wished she was the only demon in his heart, or the only being, really.
The surprise visitor in front of him really sent Samael for a loop. His most reclusive brother, Beelzebub, had made a personal appearance this morning. Beelzebub was only known to indulge in his fantasies, and in extreme excess. He rarely made appearances to any functions that brought the princes together, and he had always scoffed at his place in line to the throne. He had never wanted it, never aspired to it, and had apparently been doing everything he could to stay away from it.
“Well this is a surprise, brother,” Samael gestured to the couch in front of him, inviting his brother to sit.
The other demon smiled and took his seat. He was just as imposing as Samael himself, but he didn’t flaunt it. Rather, he used his physique to draw in his conquests and not for fighting.
“Yes, well, I heard the Priest made it here,” Beelzebub crossed his legs and sat back.
“What an adventure that has been, yes,” Samael said.
“He’s worth more than you think, Samael. He’s a tool you can use to your advantage. You can keep Asmodeus off your throne.” Beelzebub said.
“Tell me what you know, because it’s been a mess since he arrived here. I’m sure you heard Shynra almost tore our brother apart,” Samael sighed and dropped his head into his hands.
“I have heard,” Beelzebub laughed, “It’s lovely that she’s growing into herself, isn’t it?”
“I guess that’s one way to put it. But her temper threatens the stability of the realm.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” Beelzebub said, “Her temper, along with her priest’s passions, will save this realm. Or catapult it into chaos, depending on how they use it.”
“How comforting. The fate of my realm, our realm, is going to be determined by a human priest and my young, hot-headed daughter?”
“And Asmodeus, can’t forget him,” Beelzebub pointed out, “I heard that he marked the priest already. How scandalous.”
“If I could have just kept him locked up,” Samael mused.
Beelzebub swatted his hand through the air, “Like that would have made a difference.”
“How do you know all these things, brother?”
“My oracles. You know how much I hate not knowing things.”
“What else do you know?” Samael probed.
“Not much. The oracles are full of their riddles. Your priest will choose who his heart belongs to. You mustn’t fight him. Let him go where his heart lies, that is your key. He will always be king, but maybe not Shynra’s.”
“Then why did you send Shynra to him? If they weren’t supposed to rule together?”
“Ahh, I never said they wouldn’t rule together. If I would have sent Asmodeus, the priest never would have accepted him. You know human conventions. But I’ve said too much, my King.”
“Too much? You haven’t…” Samael stopped. His brother had already taken his leave. He sighed heavily. His brother talked about the oracles and their riddles, but he was no better.
THE END OF CHAPTERS 11 & 12