17. Livy

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

LIVY

I twisted the faucet and cold water peppered my face and chest, washing away the grime from today's training session with Ferina. It was almost 3pm which meant it was time to visit Malek in the infirmary again.

I'd just been with him this morning and every day since he'd been admitted last week. Seeing that the long hours at his side were wearing on me, he begged me to take some time for myself. But I wanted to be near him and didn't stay far from him for long.

Malek was my oldest friend and my feelings for him now were anything but straightforward. On the one hand, watching Varcus almost kill him made me want to rip Varcus a new one. But on the other hand, I couldn't help but wonder if I was on the right path.

I lathered up my loofa, lathering every inch of my body before washing the suds away.

‘All of demon kind, no, the world would be better off with Malek dead,' Varcus's words played over and over in my head as I stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around myself .

That big, beautiful demon had so much good in him. I saw it every time he beamed his million dollar smile at me. But his determination to wage war on the world hadn't wavered. If anything, the attack on the center had only strengthened his belief that he needed to control each and every facet of the world.

And nothing I've said to him over the last few days to the contrary has made any difference.

I got dressed and quickly went across the palace, up to the fifth floor and into the infirmary.

When I left him this morning, the infirmary was quiet with only one nurse attending Malek. But now, as I opened the door and looked inside, an entire team of doctors and half a dozen nurses rallied around his bed.

I dug into the fray, asking what had happened as anxiety told me the worst had to have happened. On the other side of the wall of doctors and nurses, Malek sat upright on his bed, his bulky frame free of bandages and casts for the first time since he'd been admitted.

"Sunny! There you are. I was hoping you'd be back soon. They've decided to discharge me early." He smiled at me, merrily combing his fingers through his glossy black mane.

"And how many of these doctors did you have to intimidate to pull that off?" I folded my arms. "You were at Deaths' door only a few days ago. Your heart stopped three times. Three. Don't you think you should rest just a little bit longer?"

"Nonsense. I would never intimidate an innocent soul." He averted his eyes so I wouldn't see the lie within.

Still, he seemed much better and as Demon God, his ability to heal was even greater than an alpha wolf. I supposed he was well enough to leave.

"Thank you everyone. I'll be recommending a raise for all of you during my next meeting with Palace HR," Malek said and the grateful doctors and nurses thanked him before leaving the room .

"You know my men still haven't been able to find Varcus or his merry band of mischief-makers?" He took his pillow, crushing it between his fists. "Where could they have gone so quickly? It's like they've just dissolved into the atmosphere."

"They'll find Varcus soon." I took a seat next, palming his knee. "All we have to do is wait. Someone will spot him eventually."

"Wait?" He stared off to the side, contemplatively. "No, waiting for him to attack again might put you in harm's way. We need some time away from the palace. Away from all of this conflict and discord. Also, I've been dying for more alone time with you."

His hand ran along my leg and he gazed at me with longing. "That's why I've planned a trip for just you and me to go to Sandalia." He turned to me, taking my hands and kissing them sweetly. "Won't you come with me?"

His dark smoldering eyes burned into mine, awakening my hot hidden desires and triggering erotic thoughts that had been buried since we were in the cave.

I needed to keep my wits about me when Malek was involved. He was so irresistibly seductive, and he knew it. If I wasn't careful, he could charm me in any direction he wanted, including over a cliff.

"What's Sandalia?" I asked.

"The interdimensional resort. It's absolute paradise and the number one getaway of choice for Earth's wealthiest and most famous demons." Ferina fluttered in on angel wings, her eyes glinting with intrigue as she strolled over to the bed. "It just opened 2 years ago, and it's been at the top of my bucket list ever since."

She tiptoed, stretching her hand as high as it could go for emphasis and Malek's lips pursed, unmoved by the puppy pout she was giving him.

"The answer is no, Ferina." Malek dragged his palm down his face and her brow curled downward. "You're not third wheeling on our vacation. I want some alone time with Sunny. Only Sunny. "

The possessiveness in his voice when he said my name made my toes curl.

"Okay, okay. Just hear me out." She fanned her palms up and down. "You're going to want me when you get to Sandalia's party dimension. You know that nobody can break it down like me." She swung her hips side to side, bending her knees and really grooving to the beat that only she could hear.

"You know. I think she has a point. It just might be a little more fun if she came along." I joined her, mimicking her hip movements and peeking at Malek through the corner of my eye, just to see his reaction.

He gripped his chin considering me with a blank expression.

"As much as I love the image of my bride dancing, Sandalia is sold out for the rest of the week. The only way for Ferina to come would be for me to order them to take a ticket from someone who already purchased it."

"Oh please, don't give me that. You just want alone time with Sunny so you can get all up into her goodies. Admit it!" She flicked his nose and a tiny growl rushed through his lips.

His eyes switched over to me, embarrassment flashing within them.

"Dear, sweet sister. Can I talk to you in private please?" He said between clenched teeth, trying to seem calm.

"Nope. You want to chew me out, right here will do just fine." She fluttered her lashes at him, folding her arms at her hips.

"I deserve a vacation with my bride. I never stopped you from going off with David on the canyon trip last month, nor with Mark to Coral Springs the month before that!" Malek exclaimed.

Ferina stared Malek down for a good long minute, and gave an ugly laugh. "You could have come if you wanted but you never asked."

"That's because I would rather slice off my own ears than listen to my sister's vacation sex moaning!"

I sat at the edge of Malek's bed, put my feet up and watched my favorite tv show. The adorable demon's sibling squabble hour. Normally I hated watching people fight but this was different. Every word they threw at each other was so carefully chosen so as to not cross a line. It was angry, but playful and serious, yet hilarious. Every jab showed more and more just how much they loved each other in their own imperfect way.

As a woman with no siblings or family, I envied them. But being allowed to watch them like this filled a family shaped void in me that I didn't even realize needed filling.

Their argument devolved into a struggle, not one of violence, but the kind you might see between two puppies. Ferina wrestled her brother to the floor and Malek fell willingly, holding back his strength so as to not hurt his sister.

Their tussle turned to laughter, and I wondered just how a demon with such a profound ability to love could be planning a war that would plunge the world into mass death and darkness. Malek was truly a complex being of extreme duplicity.

Yet, that goodness that shined through him was all the evidence I needed to make sure that he wasn't unreachable. There had to be some way for me to break down his rigid walls and make him see that this world wasn't something he needed to control.

It was time to head to the resort and Malek had packed so many suitcases you'd think we'd be gone for months instead of a couple days. When Ferina called this place an interdimensional resort, I didn't know what to expect, but it certainly wasn't this.

We stood in the hallway just outside of the library. A wide floor length mirror reflected Malek, our mountainous pile of suitcases and me.

Malek silently watched his own reflection as if expecting something to happen. Several minutes passed and nothing changed .

I was about to ask him what exactly we were waiting for, when a short man appeared in the mirror. He had a gray beard that dragged on the floor and a black baggy hat that made him look like one of the dwarves in Snow White. He stepped out from behind Malek's reflection. Strangely, he only existed in the mirror .

"Welcome to the portal to Sandalia, my King and Lady. Before your transmission, would you like me to send your luggage directly to your room so you can start today's activities immediately upon arrival?" he asked.

"That will be perfect. Thank you," Malek said.

Without much ado, the old man reached one arm behind his back and gave a quick bow. "Come with me please." He walked off to the left, going out of view behind the mirror frame. All our luggage magically faded.

"Well that wasn't the least bit spooky," I said, watching the ghostly disappearance of our bags. It may have been that I wasn't accustomed to enchanted forms of travel, but something about this freaked me out.

Malek took my arm, stroking it comfortingly. "It's time to go." He took my hand, stepping through the mirror and I followed.

We stepped onto a sunny, white sand beach. The sounds of demons grunting whipped together with rowdy applause as a few demons played beach volleyball. The cheering came from the two-dozen swimwear clad demons lounging on the beach chairs nearby. They drank colorful cocktails, soaking up the sun.

"Sandalia has many dimensions, all curated for fun and relaxation. I thought you'd enjoy visiting this dimension first. It's a lot like Earth's Caribbean, but it lacks nighttime. It's always sunny on this beach." Malek squished his toes into the sand as the cool salty air caressed us both.

"Have you been here before?" I asked, watching the four demonesses play chicken in the shallows .

"No, but I researched this place extensively to make sure the security was up to my standard and that they had suitable facilities that you might enjoy."

"Do you make all of your decisions based on what you think I would like?" I asked.

He seemed surprised by the question. "I want you to be happy with me and safe. Those are the only things I've ever wanted." He said honestly, like he didn't even need to think about it. My heart throbbed as I felt emotions I had never felt before. Was this what it felt like to experience the unconditional love of a family?

Someone hit the beach ball too hard and it flew in our direction.

"Well, no need to be shy. We came here to have fun." Malek jumped into the game, volleying the ball so high, it went back to the court and clear over the net.

The crowd cheered as the ball plummeted to the ground, scoring for one side. Malek and I joined in the game. One friendly player volunteered to go to the other side so Malek and I could play for the same team. He seemed only too happy to do Malek the favor as he was king.

The volleyball players were star struck by Malek at first, letting him win with almost no challenge what-so-ever. But once they got used to him being there, they tried harder, making things more challenging and fun.

A demon in red swim trunks and black shades strolled past the court, not talking to anyone. As he passed, his strength scent hit me. He smelled just a little different than the other demons I'd ever smelled. Distracted, I missed the ball as it passed me, and Malek got it before it hit the ground.

"You okay, Sunny?" Malek called out.

"Yup, I'm fine."

Figuring one weird smelling demon wasn't a big deal, I continued playing. At a certain point, Malek and I had to start pulling our punches, we were scoring too many points on the other side. Okay, mostly it was Malek who was. He looked incredible, his muscles rippling in the bright sunshine. His broad manly shoulders looked even more well-built as he jumped high into the air, diving for the ball like a pro athlete.

Every time he turned to look at me with his beautiful, soul deep eyes, something inside me quivered. His devoted gaze inspired an intense yearning, like a key unlocking a door to the forbidden.

Soon it felt as though everyone melted away and it was only Malek and I playing. No one else was there.

The next dimension we entered resembled a colorful, tropical jungle, one that conveniently lacked mosquitoes. A couple of the demons from the last dimension were here too, but there were mostly new faces.

Steelpan music played a gorgeous melody, increasing in intensity as we combed through the lush jungle. Passing the trees, we emerged in a clearing abuzz with demons drinking and laughing.

"How low can you go?" A male voice yelled exuberantly playing the steelpan drum. A limbo stick was set up in the center of the clearing, a man with dreadlocks inching the beam a notch lower every so often.

A line of happy party goers wearing flower wreaths around their necks, lined up to dance under the pole.

I'd only ever heard of places like this on TV. No one in the Prometheus Pack was ever allowed to leave, let alone go on vacation. Nor was I allowed to go anywhere while with the demi-gods.

Watching all these happy people dance made me feel like I'd been born again, into a life of fun and freedom that I'd always wanted but had never been allowed.

I eagerly joined the party and Malek wasn't far behind. I chatted with the happy drunk demons, making friends with them. They offered us rum and cokes and pina coladas.

Once we were good and tipsy, Malek and I tried our hand at limbo, competing between us to see who could go lower. The bright colors of the jungle swirled as the music moved me to the joyful beat .

I wasn't sure who was winning, me or Malek. After one more drink, I wasn't even sure where the limbo rod was anymore. All I knew was that for the first time it felt like I'd truly let go and was moving with the flow of life instead of against it. And damn did it feel amazing to be this untethered.

Malek and I danced for hours as the sun dimmed on the vibrant jungle. His possessive eyes burned into my hips as they gyrated to the beat, never did they move anywhere but on me.

All inhibitions burned as we drank each other in, being as intimate as two could be on the dance floor. The vigorous dancing burned away most of my tipsiness. Malek called my attention to the five portals that opened up on the south side of the clearing. As the sun began to set on this dimension, the partygoers said their goodbyes and funneled into chosen portals and onto the next adventure.

Malek and I dove into the tunnel furthest on the left. The sun shone brightly on the other side, strong winds bellowing like lion roars.

The wooden floors creaked under me, and I noticed we were in something of a tree house, but not the kind meant for kids. This place was huge, with a swimming pool and two restaurants up here.

"Come, I've heard a lot about this dimension. The best attraction is this way." Malek led me through a busy Thai restaurant where almost all its patrons stopped to applaud their king. They clapped as if Malek were performing instead of simply passing through. Malek waved at them, giving them a simple smile.

I greeted them warmly, noticing that only one person wasn't clapping for Malek. It was the funny smelling guy in shades from the volleyball court. He changed his clothes and was wearing jeans and a blue t-shirt now, but I was sure it was the same person.

Past the restaurant was a large wooden sign that read ‘Angel Wing Wonderland.'

We followed a path that led to a ledge. Two men with black T-shirts marked ‘Staff' strapped a male and female demon ahead of us into vests with colorful wings attached to them.

The wings were bright, having a plasticky finish and a bright orange glow that made them appear heavily enchanted.

Once securely fastened into the wings, the couple held hands and leapt over the edge of the ledge. They soared like birds joining a dozen other demons in wings. They flew through the open air twirling and twisting about as the wind carried them like kites.

"Wow, we're a lot higher up than I thought. Is that a hundred foot drop?" I looked out into the vast distance. We were so high up that I saw a bird flying on eye level.

"Don't be afraid. I'll be right here with you."

"The gods didn't make me a dragon shifter for a reason. A wolf's feet belong on solid ground," I said trying to hide my fear of heights.

"I promise I won't let anything happen to you." He said ,and in his eyes, I could see he truly meant it.

A line was building up behind us and I relented.

The staff attached the wings to Malek and with only a little hesitation from me, we both held hands and went over the edge.

The air slapped my face like it caught me kissing its boyfriend. My heart backflipped and something in my belly tingled like it never had before.

My wings started flapping, slowing my fall and we glided as the wind carried us.

"See, I told you'd be alright!" Malek's deep voice conquered the rushing winds to reach me.

"Say that again when we're on the ground," I yelled.

Thick trees and flowers decorated the vast landscape. This world seemed so virgin and untouched. The bright colors bathed in sunlight was so tantalizing and made the experience more exhilarating .

I flexed my back muscles and found that I could control the wings, speeding them up and slowing them down.

"Now you're getting the hang of it. I knew you'd pick it up in no time," he bellowed.

A playful sense of competition lit up within me and I retracted my hand from his. This really was fun, most of my fears washed away, replaced by a rush of pure adrenaline.

"First one to the tallest tree on the other side of the forest wins." I pointed at the target tree in the distance and he seemed excited by the competition, his expression going serious as the thrill of a challenge, perked up his wings.

He shot past me, like a speeding bullet. I raced after him, using my smaller size to cut through the air in ways his bulky build wouldn't allow. We were neck and neck when he pulled back and flew in circles around me.

It was a gesture that let me know he was less in this for competition and more for the fun of it, especially since he would easily win if he tried too hard.

I fell in place, and we intertwined around each other in a show of aerial acrobatics. My movements were initially slow and sloppy, while he moved with the sharp precision of a razor blade. He made the sky his own.

So graceful was the way he moved, he seemed more angel than demon. He beckoned for me to continue our race as he neared the tree. And just then I caught a glimpse of something that chilled me to my core. His image darkened as shadows descended on Malek.

His dark eyes now burned a blood red and evil emanated from him like embers off a bonfire. The Angel of Death smiled back at me where Malek once was.

In that instant, I saw Rachel and Aurora, my closet friends. Next I saw Chasten, Blake, and Payton, but surprisingly I didn't feel pure hatred when I saw them this time. What I felt was pity. Because I knew that they would be among the first to die in Malek's war.

I feared for the world and all who lived in it. Malek's dream would descend the world into a living nightmare.

I blinked and the Angel of Death disappeared. Now all that remained was the same grinning, happy Malek who'd been there before.

He said something to me I couldn't hear, pointing to the tree we passed. In my distraction I'd lost the race and didn't even know it.

Together Malek and I explored another two worlds. One where we ran with bubble breathing dragons and another where gourmet desserts grew on vines and we walked through fields, sampling several of them.

Now, thoroughly exhausted, we entered our sixth and final dimension for the day.

We sat at a table on the edge of a lake. The rumble of other guests eating and drinking at adjacent tables created a thin background sound.

Fried fish with onion, pickle, coconut curries and other tropical dishes were spread out in front of us.

"Penny for your thoughts, Sunny? You haven't said much since the flying adventure." His gaze burned over my skin, commanding my attention.

"I've been having the best time of my life. None of this feels real. It's like something out of a dream." I answered honestly but the image of the Angel of Death still haunted me.

"Good. It's important to me that you're enjoying yourself." He drew his chair closer, smoothing his hand over my arms.

His smoldering eyes poked through me, prompting my nipples to harden. His deliciously earthy cologne made my head swim.

My core tightened as his soft fingers tangled their way up my arm. His sweet touch forced my body's surrender. His deep and commanding gaze fevered my flesh and peeled away layers like an onion.

He leaned in, scrawling his nose along the curl of my neck. "Ahh," he breathed. "You smell just like you did in the cave that night. I've been dreaming of recreating that night ever since it was over."

"You know I was a virgin when we had sex in the cave?" I said half drunk on my own building needs.

Surprised by the randomness of the admission, his head drew back.

"It does surprise me how a woman of your beauty has been able to keep the wolves at bay for so long." He said with a surety that was both flattering and alarming. "Regardless, I'm honored to be your first, your last and everything in between."

"We'll see about that." I drew my arm from his, eyeing him flirtatiously.

His brows popped with intrigue. He rested his elbow on the table and palmed his chin. "Feisty little wolf. Be careful, tease me much more and I'll be eating you for dinner." His voice was deep and smooth as silk, shaking me to my core.

"Have you been checking your tattoo?" His thumb pressed into the black heart on my chest and my nipples went painfully hard.

"Yes, what about it?" I said trying to mask the need in my voice.

"It's already half full and we are only a month into our agreement. It won't take another month to fill it completely and then I would have won our wager, and you'll stay here with me."

"Hah, as if you ever had any intention of honoring that silly little wager." I laughed humorlessly.

"I would never lie to you." His tone changed as if mildly offended. "Should that heart be unfilled by the 16th of October, I will cancel my war plans and let you leave. But…"

He drew himself back, straightening his spine so that he towered over me.

"But?" I pressed .

"But you won't win. I won't allow it. I will do anything it takes to claim you. I live for nothing else. This war must happen because I cannot protect the ones I love in a world filled with so much random chaos and dangers lurking around every corner. Terrorists like Varcus will be brought to heal as will all the rest of my enemies. Anyone who dares threaten those I love does not deserve sympathy or life." His eyes narrowed in pure spite, and I barely recognized this sweet man that I'd been spending all this time with.

Right now, all I saw was a ruthless king who would burn the world to ashes just so he could rebuild a utopia in its place.

"No man is meant to rule the entire world. No matter what we do there will always be chaos. Shit happens. There will always be rogue elements that are outside our control. You just have to learn to live with it. Nothing will ever be perfect. Perfection isn't real."

"If perfection isn't real, then how am I looking at it right now?" he chuckled as if I was being silly.

"I'm being serious." I lightly hit his arm.

"Don't worry about it. Let me bear the burden of what I have to do. I only want you to focus on happy things. Just let me protect you." His eyes shone as the kind glow returned to his cheeks.

I wasn't a flower who needed to be protected. I was a warrior with opinions that should be valued. A flame lit up in me and I intended to continue the argument when I sensed Mellow stir. Mellow was groggy and tired but something seemed to be troubling her.

Malek forked a large piece of fish and placed it in between his lips.

"Stupid girl. Why have you been ignoring your intuition? Can't you sense that something is wrong? Don't you feel the danger looming?" Mellow's voice came barreling to the surface. She sounded irate, like she would bite my head off if she could.

"Malek may be dangerous to many people. But he wouldn't hurt me. You're wrong about him, Mellow." I replied to her telepathically .

"I still don't trust the big demon. But I'm talking about the smaller demon you saw earlier. The one with the funny smell, he's sitting just two tables away." She said; and sure enough, two tables away was the same guy in the shades I saw a few times today. Was he really following us?

"Why is it that every time I'm in a good mood you ruin it by telling me I'm in danger and nothing ever happens? Could this just be anxiety talking? I haven't let you out in days. This is my fault for neglecting you. I promise you I'll shift as soon as I get back to the palace and we'll go for a run."

"Stupid girl. This is not anxiety. You've surrounded yourself with demons. Endangering not only your life but mine. Leave this place. This pretty demon is only going to get us killed." Mellow hissed before going dormant again.

Malek poured us both a glass of wine. I perused the funny smelling demon in shades. He ate dinner at a table occupied with four women, his shades making it impossible to tell where his attention was going.

He seemed deeply embroiled in conversation. Was he secretly looking over here? If so, what did he want?

Why couldn't life remain drama free for more than five minutes? Now Mellow thinks these demons were going to be the death of me. One wanted to fuck the life out of me and if Mellow was right, another demon wanted to end my life.

Every shifter knew that to ignore your wolf's instincts was dangerous and reckless. Wolves were magic touched and had innate wisdoms gifted to them by the gods. If Mellow said there was something up with the guy in the shades, there probably was. I downed the glass of sweet wine and paid keen attention to what was happening at the other table.

I still had a lot of headway to make with Malek if I was going to steer him on the path to peace and away from the road of bloodshed and discord. I only hoped that chaos hadn't come looking for us instead.