KING OF THE UNDERWORLD (Earthbound Book 1)

When Scarlett looks at me and says, “I refuse to continue this conversation until she’s gone,” I know it’s time to get Aria the fuck out of here. Not because the witch demands it, but because I know Aria, and she will eviscerate her if given the leeway to do so.

The fire inside of me has been well and truly lit. I’m ready to explode at the slightest provocation and being around Aria is adding fuel to the flames. I have to get a handle on the situation developing around me; it is spiraling out of control. If I’d known how much Scarlett would try to rile Aria, I would have found a way to come talk to the witch without her. But Aria insisted and the more she pushed, the more incensed I became. I finally gave in so that I wouldn’t walk into this room without full control of my demon.

The minute Aria set eyes on her, I felt excitement pulsing off her. When Scarlett insulted her, I had to play the part of doting lover in order to calm her down, even if it meant touching her and making her think she had the power. My stomach rolls every time I have to touch her. I need to get a grip. I’ve never experienced these feelings before, and it’s fucking with my head. My demon is grinning like a goddamn loon. He’s never liked Aria and is pleased that my feelings are starting to reflect his. It’s a shame for both of us that I don’t share his joy.

Scarlett recklessly goaded me by sticking her head out of the window and shouting down at me. It was a dare I couldn’t back down from. I want to fuck, punish, and protect her all at once and I hate how she is pulling all these feelings to the surface.

Aria’s screeching pulls my thoughts back to the room. “Are you going to let her tell me what to do!?” I look at her with a blank expression and don’t answer. Her body trembling with rage, she looks back at Scarlett. “Who the fuck do you think you are? You can’t demand that I be removed!”

Irritated at Scarlett for pushing the issue, but even more irritated with Aria, I take a deep breath as I feel a muscle twitching in my jaw. I must handle this carefully.

I turn to Aria and pull her into me, our bodies flush against one another. I try to push down my anger and resentment before murmuring softly in her ear. “I know how you feel, and I’m sorry. I made a deal with her, and I can’t go back on it. I need you to go now, and I promise I will make it up to you later.” I can only hope she listens to my words and doesn’t see how insincere they are.

I’m relieved when I feel her body relax and know she will do what I’ve requested. I escort her from the room, not missing the look she shoots at Scarlett, promising retribution. I take a moment to gather up the reins of my control before going back in the room.

Striding back in, I close the door behind me. “I found out that it isn’t just your sister. Several humans and Naturals have been reported missing by their families the past few weeks. My people couldn’t get any leads there, but it’s an unlikely coincidence.”

“You’re telling me you think the same people took Megan and these other people? How were they taken? How many have gone missing? Where are they being taken to?” Her last question doesn’t seem directed at me, her voice trailing off as she buries her face in her hands.

SCARLETT

“Those are all questions I’m trying to find answers to.” Lucien answers the questions I was muttering to myself. I drop my hands and look back up at him, our gazes locking together. “As I said earlier, we know who took your sister, but it seems he’s gone. I don’t know if he was the only one hired by the person who wanted your sister, or if there are more bounty hunters out there.”

I know that if the soul keeper found out that Lucien is involved in tracking Megan down, he would be running scared. The other scenario is just as disheartening; that whoever hired him made sure he wouldn’t be able to talk. Either way, it seems the soul keeper is a dead end.

I watch Lucien as he eases his large frame into the sizable green leather chair behind his desk and leans back, causing it to creak from the weight of his muscular body. He nods his head, indicating the chair on the opposite side of his desk as he works the buttons of his navy-blue jacket, causing it to fall open. My eyes fall to his hard chest, mesmerized by the muscles flexing under his shirt. I bite my lip, fighting the overwhelming urge to go to him and rip it open so I can run my hands all over his glorious flesh.

A smirk appears, as though he can read my thoughts, and his eyes wander from my lips down to my breasts. My skin heats and I drop my gaze, my entire body tingling from the weight of his stare. With reluctance, I comply with his request to sit, taking a breath to calm my raging hormones. I need to focus on finding Megan, not on Lucien and how much I want him to take me; to own me.

A shiver works its way from head to toe as his deep voice runs over me like crushed velvet. “I suspect they hired several bounty hunters to do the job. The soul keeper wouldn’t have had the resources to pull off that many disappearances. I figure he’s just a part of a much bigger picture. We don’t know where they’re being taken yet.”

He leans forward slightly to grab a crystal decanter from the corner of his desk. He removes the lid and pours some of the golden liquid into a glass before tipping it to me in a silent offer. I shake my head. I’m not much of a drinker and besides, I need to keep my wits about me. I can barely trust myself in his presence as it is.

“My plan is to catch one of them in action. I’m working on establishing a pattern in the kidnappings, and once I’ve done that, I will be able to bait the trap, and once the bait is taken, I’ll have someone to question.” He swirls his drink, the crystal throwing rainbows of color around the room, before taking a deep sip. His inky stare never once leaves my face, and I try not to react to his intensity. Just looking at him causes my core to heat, burning me from the inside out with lust. I barely resist the urge to rub my thighs together to relieve the pressure as I tear my eyes away from him.

Swallowing, I ask, “How exactly do you intend to do that? Who would be willing to be used as bait?”

“Let’s just say I have my ways. One doesn’t gain my kind of reputation without being … shall we say… resourceful.” It’s clear he isn’t bragging; his statement is merely matter of fact.

I am aware of his reputation, and I really don’t need to know the gory details; I know they aren’t pleasant. I don’t get off on violence and carnage. I recognize that sometimes violence is a necessary evil, and this happens to be one of those times. But the less I know about it, the better. I have enough trouble sleeping at night.

That’s not to say I wouldn’t resort to violence myself, should the need arise. Someone I love has been taken and the rest of my loved one’s lives are in danger as well. I know there’s a very good chance I will need to get my hands dirty before all is said and done.

“I want to know the minute you catch someone, and I want to know everything you learn from questioning them,” I demand. I don’t feel I’m asking too much. After all, my sister’s life is at stake.

“Seeing as you’ll be remaining here, I don’t think that will be a problem,” he steeples his fingers and lays them over his lips, arrogance pouring from him and filling the room.

I shake my head at him, astounded by his temerity. He’s clearly used to telling and not asking. I’m sure people rarely, if ever, push back; but he’s in for a rude awakening if he thinks I’m going to just sit back and follow orders like a good little girl. I have a life outside these walls, a life I need to get back to. I need to check on my family and assure them that I’m okay and that we’re one step closer to finding our sister.

“I’m not staying here,” I inform him with determination. “That was never a part of the deal. A man of your means will have no trouble finding me when the time comes.”

It feels like the air has been sucked from the room. Even if I weren’t looking at Lucien dead-on, I would know that my words have infuriated him. He gives a dry laugh, no humor in it. It sounds like an angry bark. “You’re not going anywhere,” he says with a twist of his lips. “We have an agreement, as you keep reminding me. You’ve yet to fulfill your part of it… or have you forgotten?” He questions, a cruel look in his eyes.

No, I hadn’t forgotten, but I’d bloody well hoped he had. How could I forget? The deal I struck has been hanging over my head like a writhing mass of dark clouds. I’m still waiting to find out exactly what he will ask of me.

He gives me a smug look. Apparently, he enjoys toying with me and is getting off on making me suffer in apprehension.

“I haven’t forgotten,” I grate out. “But I refuse to sit around and wait for you to give me information. I have a life I need to get back to and I need to speak with my family.” I wait for his reaction. I really don’t want to enrage him further, though the urge to needle him is constantly there, under the surface.

I shouldn’t be surprised when he repeats himself, “You’re not leaving.” He shakes his head at me and glares. “We have an agreement, and you owe me. When I’m ready to collect payment, I want you near me.”

Despite the fact that I should have expected his response, my mouth drops open in shock and I’m unable to compose myself enough to respond before he continues. “It will be easier to update you on news of your sister if I know exactly where you are at all times. You can call your family anytime you wish; all you have to do is ask. I have no problem with them coming to visit you, so long as they behave themselves.” He pauses, a calculating look passing over his face. “Although… I could let you go home. Then I could pay you and your sisters a little visit.”

My stomach drops at the idea of him visiting my home. Hell no, never going to happen. It’s looking more and more like I will not be given a choice on this, so I might as well make a few demands of my own. “Fine. I will stay. But I expect you to keep me up to date. And you’ll need to keep your girlfriend away from me.”

A look of satisfaction comes across his face and his eyes travel over my body. “Wise decision. I will do everything in my power to keep Aria away from you. You are under my protection while you’re in my care. But you must be careful not to run into her when she’s here.”

“I have no intention of seeking her out, if that’s what you’re implying. But rest assured that if she tries to harm me, I will retaliate,” I warn him.

He shrugs off my words as though I pose little threat to anyone. Idiot. “Stay out of her way when she’s here and there shouldn’t be a problem,” his tone is patronizing, as though he’s talking to a two-year-old. I decide to let it go for now. He has no idea of my true power, and it’s better for me to keep it that way.

“You’ll be staying in the same bedroom you were given a few nights ago. I will make sure to have one of my men remain by your side, for your safety, anytime you’re outside of your room.”

For my safety, or does he just want someone watching me to make sure I don’t snoop around? Doesn’t really matter, I’ll deal with it. “Fine,” I agree.

My mind goes to logistics. I’m going to need clothing and a laptop. Not to mention shampoo, conditioner, lotion… I don’t want him or any of his men going to my house to get what I need, though. “Someone is going to have to take me shopping. I need some things if I’m going to be staying here.” He raises an eyebrow at me, waiting for me to explain. I huff out a sigh.

“I work from home, and I need a laptop so I can work from here. I need more than two changes of clothing. And I need a way to clean my hair and body.” I finish speaking and glare at him, daring him to object.

“That’s fine. I will get one of my men to pick up anything you may need. Go ahead and write out a list and I’ll take care of it. You’ll have your things by this evening,” he says, standing up and moving to the door.

Okay, then. I guess our conversation is over. I grab a piece of paper from the side of the desk and jot down a list of everything I need. I hear Lucien call for someone named Alex and assume that must be the name of my new ‘bodyguard.’ I look up when I hear someone else enter the room. I’m surprised to see how young Alex is. He looks to be about my age and is quite tall, a few inches over six feet. He has light blonde hair and friendly sea-glass green eyes. I can immediately tell that he’s a shifter.

“Scarlett, this is Alex,” Lucien glances at me briefly. “Alex, Scarlett Winters.”

I give Alex a small wave and a slight smile and he nods at me in greeting. He seems reluctant to take his eyes off me, as though I might strike him with a spell if he doesn’t maintain eye contact.

Lucien starts speaking and Alex looks at him, listening. “Scarlett is going to be with us for a while. She is my guest; I am helping her find her sister. You are to be her…” Lucien pauses and turns his dark gaze on me, looking me up and down and causing shivers to race up my spine. “…bodyguard. You will remain with her twenty-four-seven, unless I personally tell you differently.” Alex nods.

Glancing down at the gold watch on his wrist, Lucien tells me, “I have an appointment I can’t miss. Alex will show you back to your room. Go ahead and give me your list and I will make sure it gets done and is delivered to your room later today.” I hand the list over to him and he looks it over before turning on his heel and walking from the room without another word.

Apparently, I don’t even warrant a goodbye. Things are going to be just fabulous staying here. I turn my attention to the young shifter, and we just stand there looking at each other like idiots.

I don’t want to go back to my room. I’ve been cooped up long enough. I need fresh air. “I’m not going back to my room yet,” I tell him, “I need some fresh air and a change of scenery.”

I hear a huff from the shifter watching the security monitors. I’d forgotten about Snaky.

“Lucien won’t like it. You should really just do what you’re told,” he says, swinging around and facing us. His beady eyes make me shiver in disgust. He gives me the creeps.

Alex shoots him a menacing look, his eyes flashing yellow, causing Snaky to cower. It looks like Alex has a higher level of command in the shifter chain of command than ol’ Snaky. A rough, deep growl emanates from Alex’s chest, and it’s clear that the other shifter has overstepped.

I learned a bit about shifters from my cousin Melissa. She lived with a group of them for a few years, and though she doesn’t talk about it much, she did tell us a little about how their command structure works. Every group of shifters has an Alpha, and that’s the leader. Then there are lieutenants who take orders from the Alpha and communicate them to everyone else. I don’t remember what is in between lieutenant and soldier, but soldiers have the least amount of power. It looks like Snaky is a lowly soldier.

I look at Alex with surprise; I’m sure my mouth is hanging open. His entire demeanor changed in the blink of an eye. The friendly looking guy who walked through the door a few minutes ago has morphed into a menacing, powerful shifter. I’m actually starting to worry he might attack. I need to get his attention back on me before anything else happens.

“Alex, I’ve been cooped up in my room for days. I will take full responsibility if it causes any trouble, but please, can we just go outside for a little while?” I beg, placing my hand on his arm. I give him a smile as he finally turns his yellow eyes towards me. “Please,” I repeat. I ignore the presence of Snaky and hope I haven’t made things worse. I know backing down goes against a shifter’s nature, but I really don’t want to witness whatever was about to happen.

Relief floods through me when his yellow eyes shift back to their human light green. I can see him weighing the pros and cons of what I’ve asked. Making a decision, he says, “Fine. I’ll take you outside.” He places his hand on my lower back as he escorts me out of the room, appearing to ignore Snaky, and I resist the urge to shoot back a middle finger as we leave the room.

Letting Alex guide me, I let my mind wander. I will handle Lucien if he tries to get upset that I didn’t go straight back to my room. He said I was his guest, not his prisoner. Besides, I need to find a way to make contact with my family, and I would prefer to use a mental link. If it fails, I’ll have to call them, but I’d rather do it the old-fashioned way.

We reach the end of the hall and stop in front of an enormous black door. I’m unable to hide my shock when it opens up to reveal a spectacular garden. It’s certainly not what I was expecting. There’s a large natural lake in the middle, with trees lining its perimeter. One of the trees is a weeping willow, its branches hanging over the water, and at the base of the trunk is an ornate white wooden bench with a padded seat. This is one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever seen; it feels as though I’ve stepped into a fairytale.

I take a seat on the bench and lean my head back. Closing my eyes, I allow myself to sink into my surroundings. In the background, I hear birds singing and smell the flowers that are all around me. This is surreal. I feel like I’m in the middle of an enchanted forest rather than a bustling city. There must be magic at work here.

“It’s beautiful,” I breathe, briefly opening my eyes to glance at Alex who’s staring at me as though he’s trying to figure me out. I realize I must be a mystery to him, but it doesn’t bother me. I wonder if he’s ever even seen a witch before.