Demon King (Claimed By Lucifer #1) - Elizabeth Briggs Page 0,73

practically leaped out of my body. I made it to the elevator without anyone stopping me, but when I pressed the button, it wouldn’t light up. Turning to see if anyone was trying to follow me, I noticed a door off to the right. With a fluorescent glow behind a small window, I realized what it was. A stairwell. Even demons needed an emergency exit.

I burst through the door and slipped my heels off, holding the skirt of the gorgeous gown as I sprinted up the stairs, my legs pumping and my lungs threatening to burst. We were a few flights down from the parking garage, and I shoved through the doors, then raced across the lot in my bare feet until I found another door leading to another stairwell outside. I had to get the fuck out of here.

As I stepped out into a side alley, I gulped in the fresh night air as panic threatened to overtake me. I’d known he was the devil. He’d said he was a villain. What had I expected? That he’d be someone different with me? Had I willfully ignored his dark side, or had I craved it? He’d never been anything but honest with me about what he was, but I’d been drawn to him anyway. He should have inspired fear in me rather than lust. But that was his job, after all. Temptation. Sin.

It didn’t matter. The deal was over anyway. Tonight was the seventh night—Devil’s Night—and I was done. Maybe I was Lucifer’s reincarnated love, and maybe I wasn’t, but either way, it was time to return to my real life. I didn’t belong here. Not in this fancy hotel, not in these expensive clothes, and definitely not with the demons.

I put the shoes back on, not about to walk barefoot in a Las Vegas alley full of broken bottles and old piss. Then I pretended my feet weren’t on fire as I shoved my panic to one side and summoned enough confidence to walk a straight line. No way I was going back in that hotel. I had a tiny little purse with a wad of cash and my phone in it, and that was enough to get me home.

A flash of light exploded nearby, the force and shock nearly knocking me over. A pair of gleaming copper wings were highlighted against the dark night sky, swooping down toward me, and in my already-panicked state I screamed. Strong hands grabbed me, lifting me up…and then everything went black.

24

Lucifer

As I surveyed the room, taking in my followers and their show of loyalty, I wore a dark smile, my eyes glowing red. I hated doing shit like this, but it was necessary. A show of force to ensure they all knew I was their king. Demons needed a firm hand. Whatever this newfound conspiracy was, someone would come forward rather than risk my wrath. Then it would be settled. This shit had happened before and would happen again, and I’d deal with it every time.

Before I became king, the demonic tribes fought each other. When I left Heaven for Hell, I united the tribes under my banner, bringing order to the chaos. If it weren’t for me, the vampires and shifters would still be at war, the dragons would still be slaves to the fae, and let’s not forget the angels, who would have wiped out the lot of them if they’d had a chance. No matter how heavy my crown became, I never forgot that someone needed to rule the demonic horde, and it sure as shit had better be me.

Besides, I’d do whatever it took to save Hannah’s life. If a show of force was needed to prevent more attacks and show she was completely off-limits, so be it.

As everyone rose and the music began playing again, I sank down on my throne, waiting for Hannah to join me. I should have made them bring a second throne out for her, but they’d planned this night before she’d come back into my life. If she was still alive for the next ball, I’d make sure she reigned at my side.

The demons and Fallen went back to their conversations and I gazed around the room, searching for a glimpse of Hannah. I’d seen her briefly, but then she’d been swallowed by the crowd. I noticed Gadreel flirting with Lilith, whose smile was tight and her eyes wandered, like she’d rather be anywhere else. He’d always had a thing for her,