Lucifer's Bride [Complete]

93

Oh dear God, no!

"No," Lucifer snaps, his fingers combing my hair again. "You've had enough for today."

Satan straightens his spine and glares at his twin half. "What? So now you're rationing sex with our queen?"

"Until you learn to control yourself around her, yes," Lucifer hisses back. "When you've shown me that you can play with her without doing any harm or losing control, then I'll let you have free rides all you want. Until, then, you're done. Out."

His twin's eyes widen in outrage for an instant, then narrow again in anger. He doesn't argue, though he looks ready to launch himself at us. He inhales deeply, then glares at us one final time before turning and walking away. He storms towards the door, grabbing his pants from the floor before flinging it open.

"Don't expect any favors from me after this!" he shouts.

Lucifer continues to stroke my hair. "I never have."

Satan growls in frustration and slams the door. The force shakes the ground and makes the bed rock a bit. Once he's gone, I let out a relieved sigh. Thank God he's finally gone. Between his attitude, his viciousness and his lack of control, I'm not sure if I could stand being near him for another minute. I'd be fine if I didn't see him against for a few years.

Cool lips press against my shoulder, bringing me back into the real world. "I apologize for him. That part of me has never taken rejection well."

I shrug. "It's fine."

He laughs against my shoulder. "I'm sorry. That didn't work out as well as I had imagined it."

I give a soft laugh myself. "No, not really."

"Are you alright?" he asks, nuzzling my shoulder.

I nod. "A little stunned and sore, but I'm fine."

He sighs. "I'm going to have to do something pretty amazing to make up for this."

Moving slowly, I turn around to face him. His eyes are bright and playful, but his smile is broken and embarrassed. I reach out and cup his face in my hands, running my thumbs along his exquisite cheekbones.

"You don't owe me anything. You were just trying to experiment."

"Yes, but my experiment went horribly wrong." His eyes soften a bit. "I feel the strange need to make it up to you."

I can't help my grin. "Awww. Is the great king of demons suddenly feeling a little guilt? Could it be that he does have a heart?"

A dark smile graces his lips. "Careful."

I shake my head and lean in to kiss him. "You. Owe. Me. Nothing."

He accepts my kiss, but pulls away too soon and looks at me desperately. "Please? I love you, Amelia, but this feeling of guilt is uncomfortable. I've never liked it. Let me try to make this up to you before my black heart shrivels up out of confusion and pain."

I throw my head back and laugh. He's certainly got a way of explaining things. I collect myself and look at him again, nodding as I try to stifle my laughter. He grins, kissing me on the cheek before slipping off the bed and making his way towards the middle of the floor. I spin around and watch him carefully, crossing my legs on the mattress and leaning my elbows on my knees.

What's he up to?

He stops, pausing as if thinking of something, then turns and walks back towards me, pulling me off the bed. "We'd better get you dressed. The surprise I have for you might not enjoy seeing you naked."

What's that supposed to mean?

I nod and wait patiently as he crosses the room and picks up my dress. He carries it back and holds it out for me, letting me use him for support as I step inside. I spin and stand still as he laces me into my dress. The cool fabric rubs against my pierced nipples, making me feel more at home than I've felt in years. Once I'm tied in, Lucifer motions for me to sit on the bed. He waits until I've found a comfortable spot before turning around and walking back across the floor.

Lucifer stands in the middle of the room, his face turned upwards and his eyes closed. His hands hang at his sides, his fingers twirling in the air without reason or pattern. His lips move slowly, mouthing silent words in a language I can't begin to understand. Golden eyes flick open and stare at me, a soft, warm smile playing on his lips.

"I want to give you closure, if that's alright," he calls to me. "A little something to redeem myself by."

Closure?

I stare at him, dumbfounded. What would I need closure for? Leyna's gone, Lilith's being tortured and mom's under my command. What could I possibly need a therapy session for?

Lucifer smiles at me again, then turns his head up towards the ceiling and continues his incantations. A circle of black fire appears in front of him suddenly, enclosing a small marble block in inky flames. As Lucifer continues chanting, the flames grown, reaching up to the sky until they're nearly seven feet tall. The flames are solid and pitch black, making it impossible for me to see what's behind them. With a final line of chants, Lucifer drops his head and steps back, watching with me as the flames disappear and reveal my gift.

The circle of fire sinks into the tile floor, leaving its occupant standing in its place. A tall man, with light brown hair, hazel eyes – my eyes - and a warm smile stares back at me. His jeans and flannel shirt and ripped to shreds, and there's huge smudges of clotted blood streaked across his face. His grease-streaked hands are shoved into his pockets, and he leans on one leg like a cowboy. His cheeks dimple with his grin, and his eyes shine in the light.

My jaw hits the floor and my throat closes up. Tears well in my eyes and my heart nearly stops. I lose my ability to breath for an instant, my brain shutting down completely as shock settles in.

It can't be...

"Dad?" I whisper.