“I can well imagine he would be. Have you always been so powerful or has this been something you have come by in recent years?”
“I’m a self-made evil witch,” Val said. “Had a lousy childhood, got picked on in school by bullies . . . went to the bookstore and shoplifted a few witchcraft books to learn about black magic so I could extract my revenge on those who did me wrong. You know, the usual story.”
He slid closer to her. “You do amuse me.”
“I’m so glad. Now enough about me. Let’s talk about that lovely key you have there.”
He slipped a hand inside his shirt and pulled out the chain. “What would you like to know about it?”
“Can I wear it?”
He smiled. “I’m afraid not.”
Strike one.
“When are you planning on using it?”
“Very soon.” His lips curled into a self-amused grin.
Val tried to choose her next words wisely. “It just seems a dangerous thing, a demon in
Heaven. Wouldn’t that upset the balance? Maybe shift things so much that everything would get all messed up?”
His smile held. “Probably.”
She tried not to frown at his reply. “Don’t you care?”
“Should I?”
She shrugged noncommittally. “The earthly realm does have its benefits, you know. If it’s destroyed, then think of all the things you’d be missing out on.”
“For example?”
“Lots of things. Movies, art, food, you name it. Also some humans are worth saving. Like me, for example. You’d be willing to destroy all that for the rush of walking into Heaven?”
“Absolutely.”
“Just checking.”
“But don’t worry, my lovely witch. You will not be inadvertently destroyed. I fully intend for you to be at my side.” He studied her for a moment as she tried to keep her face as blank as possible. “Can I tell you a little secret that may explain my interest in the key?”
“Are you sure I can’t try it on, even for a minute?”
“I’m quite positive.”
Strike two.
He moved closer to her so his leg pressed against hers. “Now, no one knows this. Not
Nathaniel, not Yasmeen, not the mayor. No one.”
Val swallowed. “What is it?”
“My mother was a human. She was a witch who was eventually burned at the stake during the
Inquisition. Evil to the core. The blackest soul imaginable. You remind me of her a great deal.”
“I’m flattered.” She leaned back into the couch. “And what about your father?”
He paused. “My father expects a lot of me. He gave me the position of Tempter in hopes that I would work my way up to a more lofty position. He gave me no extra assistance. In fact, I believe he’s hindered my progress any way he can. I should be working at the head office by my father’s side, instead of being stuck where I am. It’s beneath me—the child of true evil itself.”
Val felt a chill go down her spine. “Your father is . . .”
“Lucifer,” Julian said matter-of-factly. “He met my mother while on vacation. Knocked her up. Left her to fend for herself. Finally acknowledged me after her torture and death, although he wasn’t happy he had a halfling for a son.” His bottom lip quivered. “I’ll never be good enough for him.”
“Uh . . .”
“But now . . . with the key, his key that he lost so long ago, I’ll be making a name for myself.
And if I end up destroying the earthly realm? He won’t be able to ignore that, will he?”
“Of course he won’t.”
Julian sniffed. “I just want my daddy to love me. Is that too much to ask for?”
Oh boy.
He started to cry then and opened his arms to her. She grimaced before letting him hug her tightly and sob uncontrollably on her shoulder.
This guy has issues, she thought.
And he also had the key, now pressed firmly against her ample, glamourized chest. This was her chance, presented now in an unexpected, rather drippy way. He wouldn’t notice if she just shifted position a bit, and slipped the chain over his head . . .
There was a knock at the door. “Julian are you in there?”
Strike three.
Julian straightened up, pushed Val away from him, and wiped his tear-dampened face as the door opened slowly.
A breath caught in Val’s throat as she saw who it was. Donovan, the demon she’d met when they’d first entered the Underworld. Tall, dark, and evil . . . a surface glamour that covered the ugly troll underneath. Small Underworld. “Oh there you are, man. I’ve been looking all over for you.”
“What do you want?” Julian’s voice caught on the words. He sniffed.
Donovan cleared his throat. “Your sacrifice escaped.”
Julian leapt to his feet. “How did this happen?”