Halo Of Horns

TWENTY-SEVEN

Azazel chuckled, pinching her chin between his thumb, "Only me." He grinned, "Remember that."

"I won't need to." She whispered, their lips only a hair apart, "My body knows you. My soul knows you. My mind will find its way back to you always."

He couldn't help but smile, pulling her into him and closing the gap. He suckled her bottom lip, savoring every moment she was in his arms and his bed.

"Lux Mea." Azazel's words vibrated against her skin as he trailed down her throat, leaving soft kisses on her pale naked skin.

Irina's body shook, the sensation making her skin tingle and her soul ache with need.

Azazel's breath fanned over her skin, his head resting near the valley of her breast, completely exposed to him. His goat horns poked the pillow behind their heads, "When you were first born your father commanded I protect you." He mumbled, "I thought you weren't my responsibility to protect."

Irina pressed her lips together into a frown, "I don't like talking about the past. It makes the present uncomfortable."

Azazel peered up at her, "I wish this was easier to explain to you." He shook his head.

He could never explain that he hated her because she was a human. All the pain they caused him. She didn't even know what he was. She could only go along with the strange feelings that the bond created between them.

He knew this was a gift that was given to few. He knew that missing pieces were rarely found and somehow, even in this place, he found his. He loved her with everything in him. The small amount of sentiment he shared for humans, blossomed only because of her.

He could feel the ease, the natural flow of life when he was around her. Existing became less of a chore and more exciting once again.

"I've lived my whole life confused and in the dark." Irina said, swallowing the lump in her throat, "I don't want that anymore, but it's also not up to me."

Azazel cradled her face, "Let's handle one problem at a time. First, we tell your father, then when his head explodes perhaps you can politely ask your many questions."

Irina snorted with laughter, pushing against his chest, "Don't say that!" She fretted, "This is going to be horrible!" She covered her face, shaking her head.

Azazel slipped his hand under the sheets and caressed her bare hip, "What's he going to do?" He asked, pulling her closer to him, "He can't change what's already been done."

Their flesh was one. Their bodies melded together, forever intertwined.

~•~•~

Lucifer sat in his office, his fingers laced together and his chin resting on top of them. The jar of blood sat in front of him on his desk, taunting him.

His nose twitched at the scent, frustrated at something so stupid, so small, so insignificant! And yet it was causing so many problems.

It wouldn't be warm, but the hope was to attract the harpies and imps away from the River Repose. Their numbers were only so concerning because they were lumped together, but spread out, they were a helpful asset to the underworld. But not if they weren't doing their jobs. They were too enticed by the prospect of warm human blood, they neglect the plentiful amount of food waiting for them in the Fields of Falsehood, or the Lakes of Fire.

The prize was too great.

For everyone.

Again his eyes fixed on the deep red liquid, watching it as if it could speak. Ultimately, the damage was done no matter how guilty he felt for putting her through pain. He had a pint of her blood and if this plan didn't work, there would be no reason to ever hurt her again.

But, what if it did work?

They wouldn't stay away forever. How often would he need to repeat this ritual?

Keeping Irina was selfish, no matter how selfless he tried to make it appear. He kept her here. He put her in danger. God was punishing him... and his better judgment was blinded by his desperation.

Desperation for anything like the love he and his brothers once had for the humans of Earth. To return to the way things were. As if he could ever be forgiven for what he had done. Nor was he particularly remorseful, but hindsight is like a crystal ball. You always know what you could have done better once you know what went wrong.

And yet... he was already feet first in the shit. What was another step?

Lucifer summoned Belphegor, a shade escorting him to the King's office in minutes.

"I am not your servant," Belphegor announced as he entered his black eyes staring straight ahead.

"No, brother, but I have a job for you if you will accept it," Lucifer replied. When he got neither an objection nor an agreement, he continued, "I need you to take this and spread it throughout the far corners of the underworld. Lure them back to the souls and away from the castle."

"The harpies are Leviathan's problem." Belphegor reminded his older brother.

"And Irina is mine. This affects all of us."

Belphegor didn't speak another word. He simply picked up the jar and tucked it under his arm.

"Be back in time for Irina's party." Lucifer called after him as he approached the door, "Tomorrow night. I assume you will complete this before then?"

Belphegor turned his head, the side of his sunk face accentuated by the dim lights as the rain poured outside, "The rains will remove her scent quickly."

Lucifer scowled, "I have to try."

Belphegor didn't say anything else, only exiting the office with a respectful bow of his head.

Belphegor went out as he was told and spread Irina's blood across fields and land far away from the castle. The plan was not entirely pointless, as he had once thought it might be. As soon as her scent laid upon anything, harpies, imps, and faeries began to turn towards it. It was not warm, but it was what they had been chasing for so long. It would distract them for a moment, but not forever.

~•~•~
A/N
Legit Etsy shop for real this time! Finchescrochet on Etsy. I sell mostly bags right now, but they're super cute! I'm trying to build up more sales and hopefully do a market soon.
Here is one of the granny square bags!