CHAPTER SEVEN

Sitting in his office at the Red Rooms, Viper looked up as one of his brothers materialized in front of his desk. Taking in Omen's dark expression, he sighed. "What you're about to say is gonna piss me off, isn't it?"

"Yeah. I just found another body."

Viper felt his jaw clench. "Where?"

"Behind our clubhouse. It was another of the missing humans. A young woman," Omen added, his voice dropping with anger.

"Did you check the security footage?"

"Yes. The person who dumped her there was definitely a strix. And they knew they were on camera. Even smiled."

Viper swore and pushed out of his seat. The entity inside him bared its teeth, its ego smarting from the taunt. Some demons who'd escaped hell did their best to lay low. Others, being natural thrill-seekers, tried challenging those who could end them.

It wasn't something humans would understand. They sought safety and security, for the most part. They typically didn't put their lives at risk for the thrill. Demons were different. Hell-born demons even more so.

Viper planted his feet. "They obviously guessed we're responsible for the deaths of their brethren, just as we'd anticipated." They would have traced their brethren back to the camp; would have noticed the scattering of ashes and the telling scorch marks on the ground and trees. "This was their way of striking back at us."

"Dice will track them. He always finds his target."

He did, but there was no saying how long it would take. Strix knew how to hide, and they wouldn't taunt the club the way they were doing unless they were confident that their colony was well-hidden.

"Her body was in a bad state," Omen went on. "It was covered in bruises. The strix beat her, but most of the damage seems to have been done postmortem. It's as if they took out their fury on her in lieu of us." He scratched his jaw. "I take it you want the body to be burned like the last one."

Viper nodded. "It's the only real way to get rid of the evidence."

Jester materialized a few feet away from Omen. His brow furrowed as he absorbed the dark tension in the office. "Everything all right?"

"One of the missing humans was left behind the clubhouse." Viper further elaborated, bringing him up to speed.

Jester's jaw hardened. "Figured it'd happen. Fucking strix need wiping out. Like wasps. I hate them as well."

"Is there any creature you don't hate?" Omen asked, genuinely curious.

Jester thought about it for a second. "No." He cut his gaze back to Viper. "I don't know if my news is going to improve your mood or not, but … Ella walked through the door a minute ago."

Viper felt his entire body go still. Ella was here, on what was essentially his territory?

His inner entity grinned, its anger rapidly replaced by anticipation. It wanted to see her. Smell her. Touch her.

Bite her.

Viper ground his teeth so hard it was surprising that no molars cracked. Her coming here … That wasn't supposed to happen. Not yet. Not until the danger had passed and she'd be here at his invitation.

Turning to the security monitors hanging on the wall behind his desk, he studied each one in search of her.

"Did she ask for Viper?" Omen asked.

"No," replied Jester. "She's just meandering around with her sister."

Omen hummed. "They're probably here to hook up."

Yeah, that wasn't gonna happen. Not a chance would he allow another man to touch his woman.

It was right then that Viper spotted her on camera. She was shouldering her way through the throngs of people on the lower level with her sister at her back, glancing around curiously. And she looked fucking edible in a little black dress that was more of a shirt.

Viper looked at Jester. "Tell the boys on the ground floor to put the word out that she's not to be touched."

Jester nodded, his gaze then going inward as he telepathically reached out.

Satisfied, Viper turned back to the security monitor.

"Wonder why she'd come here of all places to hook up with someone," Omen pondered, sidling up to Viper. "It's not her usual scene."

No, it wasn't, from what Viper had observed of her habits. She didn't go clubbing often. She seemed to prefer low-key bars and dives. Yet, there she was.

He stared at her image on the screen. You shouldn't have come here, baby. She couldn't waltz into his metaphorical den like this. Couldn't put herself in his path. He only had so much restraint.

"You gonna go talk to her?" asked Omen.

Viper turned away from the monitors. "You already know the answer to that question." While he was determined that she wouldn't get pulled into his world just yet, he wasn't going to hang back in his office and act like she wasn't here.

Plus, he wouldn't have to worry that any strix would see him near her here. None would dare come inside the club.

"Then you're going to feed, right?" pushed Jester, giving him a solemn look. "We can't have you going without. Bloodlust will hit—"

"I told you earlier that I'll feed tonight, and I will."

Pursing his lips, Omen lifted his shoulders. "You could drink from Ella."

The idea was far too tempting. Viper could easily remove the memory of it from her mind afterwards, so he wouldn't be revealing his secrets too soon. But … "I want her to give me her blood willingly, not because she's under a thrall." That wasn't possible just yet.

"Fine," Jester grunted. "But I don't see why it matters, just as I don't see why you're delaying—"

"I'm well aware of what you think. I don't need to hear it again."

Jester shrugged. "I like repeating myself."

"I've noticed. But saying the same stuff again and again doesn't make you right, it just makes you repetitive."

"Also annoying," Omen tacked on.

Jester shot him an even look, unbothered. "I don't live to please others. I don't even make an effort to please myself, so why the fuck would I care if you're annoyed?"

Omen's head flicked to the side. "You know, I overheard a female demon telling her friend that you're the most unpleasant person she's ever met."

"Again, why would I care?"

"It's not about whether or not you should care," Omen stressed, "it's about whether or not you want to alienate yourself from the world at large. Is that your grand plan?"

"Yes. Though I don't consider it a plan, more of a calling. And it isn't grand, it's relatively simple—I shouldn't really have to point that out."

Rubbing at the center of his forehead, Viper sighed. "Right, I'm heading off to find Ella. If you're gonna tag along, be sure to keep your distance so I get some private time with her."

"Okay, but let me just say that he "—Omen jabbed a finger in Jester's direction—"needs an attitude adjustment or he's gonna walk through life alone. He might think he wants that now, but there'll come a day when he'll regret it."

"Unlikely," said Jester. "Very, very unlikely."

Yeah, Viper would have to agree with that.

Ella had been to a fair amount of clubs in her day. None had been quite like this one. It spanned five floors, each featuring a dance floor that streamed through several ultra-spacious rooms, like a wide road.

The club's color scheme was simple enough, sticking to varying shades of red and black. There was lots of chrome, leather, and dark woods. The consistency in style tied the rooms together, making each one feel like a continuation of the last rather than a separate space.

Every room boasted a bar, seating areas, and shadowy alcoves. A film of fog ran throughout, providing some cover for those who might wish to tuck themselves into a corner and enjoy a little privacy.

There was one thing the venue had in common with other clubs. It was hectic. People were everywhere . Not just at the bar or on the dance floor or sitting at the tables. The place was packed with clubbers.

Her demon, no more a fan of crowds than Ella, wanted out of here. Soon , she promised it. Which didn't improve its mood, since it wasn't a patient being.

The bass of the loud music thumping beneath her feet, she made her way through the crowds to the long, busy bar. Passing an alcove, she caught movement in her peripheral vision; noticed a guy kissing a woman's neck while she moaned in delight. He was one of the Black Saints, going by the patch on his jacket.

Ella would bet other alcoves were similarly used by couples wanting to indulge in raunchy stuff out here in the open.

As she and Mia reached the bar, the nearest bartender turned to them. "What can I get … " He trailed off as he got a good look at Ella, which was weird to say the least. Clearing his throat, he wiped his face clean of emotion. "What can I get you?"

"A gin and tonic, please," Ella said absently, her brow creasing at his reaction.

"I'm good," Mia told him.

He began busying himself with Ella's order. He was average height with compact shoulders and ruffled dull-gold hair. She didn't recall having seen him before, but the patch on his jacket proclaimed him a member of the Black Saints.

She turned to her sister. "How come you're not having a drink?"

"I will, just not yet. I want to eat first." Mia scanned the dancers as if it was a buffet.

"By eat, you mean fuck."

"Exactly. You sure I can't persuade you to join me out there?"

"I'm sure. Now, go get laid already."

"With pleasure. Hopefully mine." With that, Mia sauntered away.

Right then, the bartender set Ella's glass on the bar. She paid with her card and then took a long sip of her drink. His gaze zipped to something over his shoulder—like that, the tension in his features eased.

"This is a surprise."

She stiffened. The voice came from directly behind her. A voice rich, deep, and loaded with gravel. It was also familiar. Viper.

Her demon stirring in interest, Ella slowly turned. Dark-ringed striking blue eyes snared hers; seized her full attention. And her pulse promptly did a hop, skip, and a jump. With major enthusiasm.

"Hi," she said, resisting the urge to lick her lips. But she totally failed resisting the temptation to drink him in. Damn, he was quite a spectacular sight. All rough and badass in a casual dark tee, black leather jacket, and faded jeans—none of it hid his muscular build.

He stood close, loitering on the edge of her personal space. So there was no missing the sexual need that briefly flickered in his gaze. Nor was there any way to avoid having his intoxicating scent twine around her—her demon liked the dark zest of it.

There was also no stopping the atmosphere from snapping taut. The chemistry between them was electric. Flustering. Unbridled.

"Ella," he greeted. It was more like he tasted her name. Like he rolled it around on his tongue. "I haven't seen you at my club before." He slanted his head. "First time?"

She took a steadying sip of her drink. "Yes."

"You here alone?"

"No, I'm with my sister. She's … somewhere." Ella gestured at the dance floor. "I just came to keep an eye on her." Which would have been a lot easier if the place wasn't so dark and foggy.

Viper's hum was low, thoughtful, and held the merest rumble. The sound skittered down her spine and almost made her break out in a shiver.

She glanced around. "I don't think I'd have guessed that a bunch of angels would open a place that's all decadence and debauchery."

A corner of his mouth hitched up. "I suppose it may seem strange that we would plunge ourselves into the sexual underbelly of demonic society. But we're no longer angels in the real sense of the word. When we fall, we lose any grace, purity, or piety we had. Our proclivities and inclinations change."

"You don't sound at all cut up about it."

"I'm not. I have no regrets."

Catching movement not far behind him, she noticed a woman watching them closely—her glare bouncing from him to Ella. "Someone seems to be waiting for you. Blonde. Tight curls. Big boobs. Large hoop earrings."

Annoyance flickered in his eyes. "Some people don't like the word no, and even refuse to hear it." He stepped a little closer, as if to make clear—maybe to her, maybe to the blonde, maybe to both—that the only woman who currently had his attention was Ella.

She had to admit, she liked that. Ella took another sip from her glass. "Why did you choose to settle in Vegas of all places? It fairly crawls with demons, and we're not always friendly toward the Fallen."

He hesitated. "There's something here that holds value to me—let's leave it at that."

"No, let's not. It sounds intriguing."

His mouth curled. "Maybe I'll tell you another time."

"And maybe you're full of shit."

He inclined his head. "Maybe."

"Is it that you have a child here? I've heard how angels sometimes tumble into the beds of humans and demons." She could understand why he might fall to protect the child—such hybrids weren't accepted by those in the upper realm.

Then again, if he was an archangel, he'd likely never stepped foot in this realm before. They usually didn't. But how else could there be something here that he'd in any way value?

"No offspring," he said, the ring of truth in his voice. "I'd ask if you have children of your own, but I already know the answer to that. As I said outside the pool hall, I pay attention when someone intrigues me."

Downing more of her drink, she narrowed her eyes. "Pay attention, or look into them?"

"Both."

That should annoy her. Right? She wasn't sure—it was hard to think straight when he kept his stare locked on hers. A stare so steady and unrelenting that the hairs on the back of her neck rose.

Ella had never had anyone watch her with such focus . It should have been off-putting. Should have made her bristle. Instead, it made her blood heat.

She also probably should have been uncomfortable with how close he stood or, at the very least, unnerved by him quite possibly being a fallen archangel. But instead, she felt at ease. Safe. Unfazed.

Maybe he had that effect on others, too—a left-over product of him once having been a holy being. One thing was clear. "You like to stare, don't you?"

"At you, yes." Viper gave her a slow eye-bang, and need swallowed his pupils. "There's much to look at. I don't think I've ever seen hair your shade of red." His brow lifted. "Dye?"

Having knocked back the last of her gin and tonic, she set the glass on the bar. "No, it's my natural color." But she got that question a lot. "I don't think I've ever seen eyes as blue as yours." They were too blue. "Contacts?"

His lips twitched. "No."

A loud laugh sounded as a rowdy group pushed through the crowd.

Viper smoothly herded her aside, the move almost protective … and suddenly they were in the alcove where she'd minutes ago seen two patrons having a ‘moment'. Said patrons were now gone. The only people stood in the shadows were her and Viper, which seemed to make her body more painfully aware of him.

Her demon should have been wary at being alone with him, all things considered. But the entity was more curious than anything else. Then again, it had no actual aversion to danger. Quite the opposite.

A warm, calloused fingertip whispered down the side of her throat, leaving a trail of fire in its wake. "Tell me something."

She swallowed, butterflies going nuts in her stomach. "What?"

"Did you really only come here to watch over your sister?"

"Why would you ask that?"

"You could have worn something subtle and concealing to help send the message that you're not here to partake in any … activities. But you chose this little black number that's all satin and lace and bares lots of skin."

If she was honest with herself, she could admit there was some part of her that wanted to follow Mia's lead, despite the fact that … "A quick fuck in the dark with a stranger isn't really my thing."

"Doesn't mean you can't try it at least once." He glided even closer and palmed the sides of her face, his gaze drifting over every feature. "You're fucking breathtaking." He lightly brushed his thumb over the corner of her mouth, tracing the curve. "The first time I saw you, you were wearing the same lipstick you're wearing now."

She tried recalling what color it was. Nude, maybe. It was a little hard to think when explicit images were raining down on her, threatening to stain her cheeks with a blush.

A gleam of uncurbed need in his eyes, he dipped his head. "All I wanted to do was smear it all over your lips while I fucked them." The words were low and smooth but with a guttural edge.

Her stomach clenched so hard it hurt. "Is that a fact?" Her voice cracked, and his eyes lit like those of a jungle cat scenting prey.

He ghosted the tip of his nose along the side of hers. "Oh, it's a fact."

She gasped as his hands skated upward and dived into her hair. Her demon hummed, seduced by his power and strength and … some darker element. It was as if beneath his skin buzzed a sense of depraved restlessness. She couldn't quite explain it.

Having his hands on her felt like she was being touched by sin. Which was a really weird way to put it, but there was just something dark in his touch. Not evil, not defiling, but … corrupt, maybe?

It wasn't off-putting, it was seductive. Drugging. Enticing.

His pupils completely blown, he stared down at her as he gave a slight, reprimanding shake of the head. "You shouldn't have come here."

She felt her brows draw together. "What? Why n—?"

His lips dropped down on hers. He ravaged her mouth with a kiss that was hot, wet, and woven with brutal need. It lit up her body, hardened her nipples, fogged her brain … and everything around her faded away.