Page 6 of Falling for Ash
Full Demonic regalia was only appropriate in wartimes. However, Ash found his Demon surging forward at times of great emotional turmoil, intense passion, irritation, and when prepping for a fight or battle. Definitely not cool to go all Demon in Lucifer’s office.
Not to mention it would be a huge fuck you to the most powerful being Ash had ever met.
Wasn’t it Lucifer who had ultimately saved him?
He owed him his life, and a little respect went a long way in his world.
Not to mention the fact, it was hard to travel amongst normals when in Demon mode. Ash was not someone who could easily blend with the crowd with his bat-like wings and his short, but deadly, curved horns that protruded from either side of his head. Those were exceedingly sharp and capable of poisoning a foe if scraped or impaled during battle.
Okay, fine.
He admitted he was rather proud of them. They were quite even in size and shape and could prove fatal to his enemies. Perfect, in his opinion.
He also had quite the tail. Protruding from his lower back was a long, powerful appendage that was extremely flexible and strong, with a razor sharp point that exuded the same poison as his horns, if triggered. Another reason he was a cut above the average Demon.
It was rare for a creature, a Demon especially, to be in control of his appearance. Not to mention when or where his or her venom was released. But Ash had that power, and more. If he willed it, his venom could eat through skin, muscle, and bone when it came into contact with an aggressor’s bloodstream. The agony his venom could inflict was quite terrible, or so he was told.
Immunity was a fringe benefit of having it, he supposed. Still, it was not his favorite attribute. Flight had that distinction. With his ability to wield magic, the talent to summon and control fire running a close second.
Ash had an enormous eighteen-foot wingspan and could soar at top speeds carrying heavy burdens. And yet, all his strength, agility, and magical gifts were somehow not enough. Not anymore. Molloch had done something unthinkable. He’d caused a Prince of Hell to question his existence.
What fucking conundrum!
“Asmodeus, did you hear what I said?” Lucifer asked, and Ash could tell he was annoyed.
“Dating? Absurd,” he replied without thought. “Um, I mean, I am not looking for a bedmate, my lord.”
“I did not suggest you visit a brothel, Ash. I am talking about a deeper, more meaningful relationship with just one person. Your mate, Asmodeus. I think you should consider this. It is possible, you know.”
Did he know that for sure, though?
Ash nodded respectfully at Lucifer, but the idea now spoken had him quite perplexed. True, he was lonely. But dating sounded absolutely horrifying. Much as he hated to refuse Lucifer anything, it was not something he was willing to do.
“Thank you, my lord, but I have no desire to sip cocktails at the café and pretend an interest in the parade of supernaturals searching for someone to share a bed with. No disrespect intended.”
“None taken,” Lucifer replied, smirking. “And what of our fine local citizens? No one special there?”
“Ah,” Ash said, clearing his throat. “Let’s just say I am steering clear of both Goddesses and Demonesses in residence. I have burned more than one bridge in that respect, and do not want to perpetuate any myths about my reputation.”
“But that rep was well earned. Gave you the moniker Demon of Lust, did it not?” Lucifer baited him, but Ash refused to rise to it. “Besides, I thought those rumors about your disposal of Sarah’s seven husbands quieted down long ago.”
“Hardly,” Ash barked, unable to resist the opportunity to put that nonsense to bed. “Sarah was some piece of work, let me tell you. For the record, I never killed any of those lucky bastards. They simply deserted her and blamed me. More like the Demon of gullibility!”
He’d been young then, but it still stung that Ash had been taken for a ride. And by a woman who’d managed to both marry and lose seven men. In the end, he was unsure who was worse, her exes or her!
“Ha! And all feared your jealous wrath for eons after! You poor fellow, being lusted after by throngs of women and dreaded by rivals for their affection. Must have been awful,” Lucifer said with false sympathy. The Lord of the underworld laughed aloud. Something that was also new and unusual, but not unwelcome. Even if it was at Ash’s expense.
“Yes, well, now that’s over with?—”
“Seriously, though,” Lucifer turned suddenly serious. “I know about what went down with Molloch and that little Werewolf from New Jersey. It was bad, Ash, but you pulled through. You didn’t let that evil bastard corrupt you. But I am sorry for you. It cost you some of your heart.”
“Molloch is a vile blight on the universe, Lucifer. There is no denying that. But the truth is, I didn’t love Grazi. I admired her, respected her, but it was not love,” Ash reflected with an uneasy sigh, the ache in his chest still there despite his having realized what he’d felt for her was respect and a deep regard.
“Still, torturing her fated mate—” Lucifer grimaced and shook his head.
Ash nodded, allowing the familiar shame to flow over him and ebb just as quickly. He’d come to terms with it, but he was done explaining.
The past was complicated. His role in the recent Wolf activities was not all together favorable, but in the end, he’d managed to undo the damage and help their cause.
