Page 106 of Legion
Luka cocked his head as something occurred to him.“Given that Viper’s a fallen celestial like Lou, it strikes me that you and Lilibeth may be similar in some ways.What kind of angel is Lou?”
“A seraphim.But with upgrades, shall we say.He was given far too much power as rewards for this or that, being God’s favorite.I think it eventually corrupted him to the point that it twisted him.Or something.I don’t really know, so I can only guess.”
The seraphim were high-ranking, though they were a peg down from archangels.As such, Lilibeth would naturally be more powerful than Naomi.Still similar, though.Especially if Lou’s curse applied toallthe fallen.Luka couldn’t ask Ella without giving some bullshit reason why he’d ever have such a question.
He trusted his anchor, but Naomi’s secrets weren’t his to share.And, honestly, he felt better knowing that not many were aware of them.It was less risky that way.
Breeds of blood-drinking demons had once existed.Feeding on the essence of life had made them so incredibly strong that they were the most powerful of all.Not liking that, other breeds had slowly and steadily wiped them out.
If people were to learn that Naomi fed on blood, they would come for her.And that wasn’t the only danger—many angels downright loathed even the thought of demons possessing holy blood.They, too, could come for her—especially if they learned that Lou was her father.
Luka slid a hand up her back.“You know that one of Viper’s brothers is Lou’s biological half-brother, right?”
“The one they call Jester, you mean?Yes, I know.Lou talks about him sometimes.”
“Does Jester know that you’re his niece?”
“Nope.”Naomi planted her hands on Luka’s chest.“Lou is super secretive about our familial connection, paranoid over my safety.”
“I like that he’s so protective of you.”It also surprised Luka, because he hadn’t heard many positives things about Lou.“You’re not curious about Jester?I mean, he’s your uncle.”
“And he may therefore know about Lou’s curse,” she pointed out.“If he learns who I am, he might guess that I share in that curse.”
“All the fallen might share in it.”
“True.But they also might not.”
“Haven’t you asked Lou?”
“Yes.He said he didn’t know, but that might have been a lie to keep me from wanting to hang with any of the fallen.He wouldn’t risk any figuring out he’s my dad for fear that they used the info to earn their way back to heaven or something.As I said before, he’s paranoid over my safety.”
“And with good reason.”Luka stroked his fingers down her neck, tracing over the brand there.“How often do you need to feed?”
“Weekly, but I don’t need much of it each time.Lou was worried that I’d go through short periods where I’d be in the grip of a kind of bloodlust, but that’s never happened.Now that I have an anchor, it’s all but guaranteed that it never will.”
Which was yet another reason to be glad that she’d found her psi-mate, even if a part of Luka didn’t like that she was so closely bonded to another man.“Tobe was right in claiming that you being mine could endanger you.Those who are entrenched in the criminal underworld will consider you off limits—anchors and mates always are.But demons outside of this life won’t necessarily respect that, so precautions will be necessary.I take your safety very seriously.Something that can’t have escaped your attention.”
She squinted.“What you’re saying is that Konstantin will be my guard on a permanent basis.”
“Yes, and he won’t be following behind you anymore; he’ll be at your side.I have bodyguards as well,” Luka reminded her.“It’s par for the course when you’re a Prime, just as it is for those who are deeply involved with one.”
“But the clerics might try to hurt him again.”
“He’ll know to look out for them now.Though it’s sweet that you’d worry for him, it’s his risk to take—and he will willingly take it.He’syourbodyguard, not the other way around.”
Naomi let out ahumph.“While I can’t deny that it’s better to take such precautions, I do worry that Konstantin will notice things he shouldn’t if he’s constantly around.”
“He’ll only be with you when you’re out and about.You’ll have privacy indoors, so he won’t pick up on things you’d prefer he didn’t.”Onthatsubject ...Luka offered her his hand.“Come with me.I want to show you something.”
Curiosity glimmering in her eyes, she placed her palm in his.“Ooh, what exactly?”
He didn’t respond.He led her out of the room, down the hall, and into a spare bedroom that he’d recently emptied.It was spacious, with big windows that provided plenty of natural light.As she glanced around, he said, “I thought it would make a good art studio.”
Her gaze shot back to his, surprised.“I ...An art studio?”
“You had to know that I’d want you to move in here.”
“I didn’t think you’d want me to do it right away.”
