Seven Hells

By Danielle Broussard

After escaping from Heaven, Elizabeth was thankful to be back home. Things were far from normal however, and her demon house guests were slowly making her go crazy. With Christmas coming, Elizabeth wanted nothing more than to spend the holiday with her new family and friends, but it was not to be. The unrest occurring in Hades has come to a head and Lucifer is now missing. Unable to stand idly by, Elizabeth returns to Hades despite opposition from both the demons and angels. Making it through Hades alone will be the hardest thing she has ever had to do, but things aren't always as they seem.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Danielle Broussard
• Release date: Feb 8, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370705245

Danielle Broussard

Danielle Broussard was born in Houma, Louisiana to a loving and supporting family. After moving to Texas for a short stent, she moved back to Louisiana when she was still young and has spent most of her life there.Sports and art defined most of her childhood. She played basketball for several years and also ran cross-country and track. A self-proclaimed jock, she hated reading and avoided it at all costs and spent most of her time either outside playing sports or watching anime.For college she attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Architectural Studies.

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Seven Hells

Danielle Broussard

Published by Danielle Broussard at Smashwords

Copyright 2017 Danielle Broussard

Other titles by this author

Fall

Seven Heavens

The Hagoromo

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 1

Signing his name on the last parchment, Lucifer didn’t look up when the door opened. Keeping his eyes on the desk, he waited for the ink to dry and folded the paper neatly. So, you finally came.

You don’t seem surprised.

Glancing up at the intruder, the corner of Lucifer’s lip twitched. Not much surprises me anymore.

Then you know what is coming.

Nodding, Lucifer leaned back in his chair and folded his hands in his lap.

It was nice being home. Elizabeth had spent a few days at Ben’s home in Hades, under Lucifer’s orders, until he finally conceded and allowed her to go home under Ben and Azazel’s supervision. Beelzebub had made threats towards Lucifer and indirectly at Elizabeth as well, which had everyone on edge. Walking into the living room, Elizabeth tried to remain in good spirits, but it was hard with the boys around. They moped a lot, and when they weren’t moping they were snooping. It was aggravating to say the least.

Hey, she said, plopping onto the couch, what are you guys doing today?

Azazel’s eyes remained locked on the TV. Elizabeth was trying to keep a cheerful attitude, but he could feel how tense she was. The walls were slowly closing in and being in such close quarters with Belial wasn’t helping. There was only so much Azazel could take of the prince. Not moving a muscle, Azazel concentrated on the TV, lest he snap at the demon glaring at him from across the room.

Crossing his arms, Belial tried not to stare at Elizabeth, but the way she sat so comfortably with Azazel irked him. The general pretended that he didn’t notice her close proximity, but there was no way he couldn’t. The damn demon was probably gloating on the inside that she sat next to him. Shrugging his shoulders, Belial quickly looked away from the couch and said, I don’t know.

Typical. Crossing her arms, Elizabeth stretched and propped a foot on Azazel’s leg. Looking away from the TV, he stared at the tiny appendage resting on him. It was tempting to smirk at Belial, but it wouldn’t be good to start a fight. Any word from Lucifer about Beelzebub or anything?

Flinching, Azazel quickly looked back at the TV and said, No. Beelzebub is still barricaded in his fortress and refuses to speak to anyone.

Smirking, Elizabeth pushed his leg with her foot playfully. What can I say, I’m quite the catch.

Rolling his eyes, Belial had enough and grabbed the remote off a nearby table. Knowing it would piss Azazel off, he flipped channels like a mad man, only staying on one long enough to get a peek at what was playing. Crossing his arms, Azazel glared at the screen. His leg bounced in short quick bursts, knocking Elizabeth’s foot around like a rag doll. Glaring at Belial he growled, Can you stop that?! Pick a channel and stick with it!

Staring at the ceiling, this was becoming their routine. The boys were going stir crazy since they’d come back. Rubbing her temples, their little spats were even getting on her nerves now. Noticing Elizabeth’s discomfort, Belial settled on a channel and placed the remote on his lap for easy access. Azazel’s leg stopped bouncing and the air cleared. Leaning against the pillow Elizabeth continued to stare at the ceiling, When are you going to get to go home?

When Lucifer says we can. Ben’s eyes never left the TV. Perhaps he was being a little snappy, but this wasn’t his favorite topic of conversation. They’d been staying with her for weeks. He liked Elizabeth but not being able to go home was really grating on him. The house felt like it was shrinking and he wasn’t sure how much more of Azazel he could take.

Turn it back to what we were watching, Azazel groaned, This show sucks.

Placing a hand on the remote, Belial didn’t budge. He wasn’t about to change the channel back. Azazel was just going to have to deal with it. Glaring at Belial, Azazel let out a low growl but the other demon didn’t move.

Rolling her eyes, Elizabeth ran her fingers through her hair. Azazel can you reach over and turn on the lights for the Christmas tree. Glancing at her, the corners of Azazel’s mouth sank into a frown. Letting out a deep sigh, Elizabeth rolled her head across the pillow and looked at Belial, Ben, would you please turn on the lights.

Frowning, he placed the remote on the arm of his chair and reluctantly stood. Trudging over to the tree, he bent to find the switch for the lights. The second Belial was near the tree, Azazel jumped up, knocking Elizabeth’s foot to the ground. Leaping over the coffee table, he nabbed the remote. Whipping around, Belial nearly knocked the tree over. Grabbing for the remote, they pushed and fought for the device, bumping into a nearby lamp. The light fixture wobbled precariously before settling back into place.

Sitting up, Elizabeth barked, Hey! Knock it off before you break something or knock the tree down! I’m still not happy with either of you for hiding the nativity set from me, now cut it out!

Snatching the remote back from Belial, Azazel leapt over the coffee table one more time, retaking his seat on the couch. With a stupid grin on his face, he changed the channel back to the original show he was watching. Settling into the couch, he propped an arm along the back and looked out the window. Hey look, he said, that cop’s back. You want I should go tell him something?

Looking out the window Elizabeth shook her head, No, let him be. He’s not hurting anything.

How long do you think they’re going to keep sending someone to sit across the street like that?

Resting her head on the back of the couch, Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders. Detective Theroux had sent someone every day to keep an eye on her. He was determined to catch her doing something illegal. At this point she was sure jay-walking would get her at least a year in jail. Due to the detective’s persistence, the cops were now a permanent fixture, just like the demons. Rubbing her head, she really didn’t want to think about it and hoped that some point soon they’d give up. Maybe, if she was lucky, that would be around the time Lucifer would call the boys back and she’d have a few hours completely to herself. One could only hope.

Sniffing, Azazel turned his head towards Elizabeth. You didn’t wear it against last night did you?

Glazed over eyes stared blankly at Azazel. Seeing the demon’s nose twitch ever so slightly reminded her of his new complaint. Rolling her eyes, Elizabeth said, What do you care what I sleep in.

You smell like that angel now. Belial said, You know Lucifer doesn’t want you seeing him.

Glaring at Ben, Elizabeth replied, He said not to see him or talk to him. He didn’t say don’t accept Christmas presents from him. Besides, I like the nightgown and I’m keeping it.

Frowning, Belial returned his focus to the TV. There was no point in arguing with her. She was going to do what she wanted until Lucifer tells her otherwise. Besides the gift, she hadn’t seen or heard from the angels since her short stay in jail. Placing her foot back on top of Azazel’s leg, Elizabeth closed her eyes. She was bored and was having a hard time keeping them open. Letting out a long yawn, she raised her arms over head, stretching her back.

What she wouldn’t give for a massage, or just a girl’s day out. Maybe Claire would want to go with her. But it would have to be after Christmas. The roads were too crowded with last minute shoppers and she had practice to go to as well. That reminded her, So, you guys are coming to mass right? Both demons pulled themselves away from the TV. Staring at her, they weren’t sure what she was talking about. Not hearing an answer, Elizabeth opened her eyes and glanced between the two. Christmas mass, she said. The one I’ve been practicing for.

Glancing at each other, Azazel quickly turned away. He already didn’t go to mass with Elizabeth on a regular basis and would do just about anything to get out of going. Belial was better than him when it came to that and Azazel wasn’t afraid to admit it. But even this would be pushing it for the other demon.

Belial’s eyebrows pressed together. He didn’t want to respond but knew that she wouldn’t take his silence as an answer and there was no way Azazel was going to broach this topic. Elizabeth, you know how we feel about Christmas.

They hated it. That was her answer. She’d be going to Christmas mass alone. They both resumed watching TV after that. Letting out a deep sigh, Elizabeth slid off the couch and headed to the back porch. It was only one week till Christmas and she was desperately trying to keep a positive outlook despite her grumpy housemates.

It was cool outside and the night air was refreshing. Walking over to one of the rocking chairs, she took a seat. She’d been spending a lot of time on the porch recently. The air was cooling off and the humidity was down. Normally she would bring a book to read but not today. It was too dark but being away from the guys was just as refreshing.

Rocking slowly, the wooden floorboards creaked under her weight. Closing her eyes, she listened to the rhythmic creaking until the door clicked open. Walking onto the porch, Belial stared out into the dark. Crossing his arms, he remained perfectly still. Cracking her eyes open, Elizabeth watched him rock in and out of view.

The police left.

Opening her eyes more, she stopped rocking. That was quick. Nodding, he didn’t reply. Something was weighing on him. She’d known him too long; there was no hiding how anxious he was. What’s going on?

Jerking, he smiled weakly. Glancing over his shoulder at her, he said, I can’t keep anything from you. Shaking her head, she knew that wasn’t true. I need to go.

Cocking her head, she asked, Lucifer is calling you?

Not… exactly. That caught her attention. He was ordered to stay with her until Lucifer said otherwise. What was so important that he needed to leave? Waiting for an explanation, she stared at the demon intently. The muscles in his face twitched ever so slightly under her perusal but his explanation never came. After a minute of silence, he turned and walked back into the house. That was strange behavior even for him. Standing, Elizabeth followed the demon, intent on getting him talking.

He was speaking to Azazel near the front door softly. The second they saw her, their conversation ended and Belial promptly left without saying another word. Her eyes narrowed and her mouth pursed into a hard line. Marching up to Azazel, she grabbed his arm before he could disappear upstairs, What the hell was that?!

Looking at the floor, he knew he couldn’t meet her eyes. Nothing, he said clearing his throat, he just needed to get out.

Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed. Crossing her arms, she placed all her weight on one leg, cocking her body at an angle. Looking at the ceiling, Azazel’s eyes moved down to the wall and then to the front door. He was doing everything he could to not look at her which was aggravating. Tapping her foot, she said, What did Lucifer want? I know Ben didn’t just leave for kicks. He’s acting strange.

Frowning, Azazel tried to walk up the stairs again, but Elizabeth quickly grabbed his hand. Looking at his feet, he didn’t want to answer her, he couldn’t answer her. Pulling his hand away from hers gently, he made his way upstairs. Throwing her arms in the air, Elizabeth grunted, and then marched back to her bedroom. Going straight to the bathroom she filled the tub with excessively hot water so her skin would be an unnatural shade of pink when she got out.

Taking her shirt and pants off, she walked over to a full length mirror leaning against the wall. Turning to the side then back to the front, she tightened the muscles in her stomach. They were finally getting the definition she was after. She’d been working on them for a while now and it looked like her efforts were finally paying off. That seemed to be the only good thing going for her recently. It wasn’t a true six-pack yet, but the outside lines were visible. The trainer at the gym she joined insisted that she do heavy weights, and while she was against it at first, overall it had paid off. She was stronger now and had more endurance and was finally loosing that small layer of fat around her midsection.

Stepping into the bathtub she allowed the steam to engulf her. The cast iron tub absorbed some of the heat from the water, relaxing the muscles in her back. This was easily her favorite room in the entire house and was where she’d go to unwind. Closing her eyes, she allowed the steam to coat her skin and infuse into her hair. She was so comfortable that she even forgot about Ben for a while.

Letting out a deep sigh, she didn’t get out of the tub until her skin was wrinkly and the water was cold. Grabbing a plush towel, she quickly dried off and wrapping it around her, headed into the bedroom. The heat and steam for the bathroom flooded out into the rest of the house the second the door opened. The cold air from the bedroom hit her like a ton of bricks and shivering she rounded the corner towards her bed.

A weak scream escaped her mouth and her feet left the ground when she saw him. Azazel had made himself at home on her bed. He sat up quickly when he heard her scream, scanning the room for threats. Gripping her towel as tight as she could, Elizabeth made sure that all the important parts were covered. What the hell?! Why are you in my bed?!

His eyes ran up and down her body, scanning every inch meticulously. He didn’t even try to hide what he was doing. Eyes wide, his mouth slowly dropped open. Scooting to the edge of the bed he hung his legs over the edge. Swallowing thickly, his eyes watched a lone drop of water slide down her neck onto her shoulder. It paused only a moment, and then continued its trek south until disappearing under the towel wrapped tightly around her. Swallowing again, he said, I’d, um, I’d be more comfortable if I, uh, could stay in here tonight.

Frowning, her eyes narrowed and an eyebrow rose nearly disappearing under her bangs. Backtracking, Azazel clarified himself, No, it’s not like that! Looking down for only a second, his eyes met hers again, Just with Belial being gone, I thought it would be easier to keep you safe if I was down here tonight.

Her eyebrow rose even farther after hearing his explanation. It didn’t even deserve a response. Rolling her eyes, she headed for her dresser and pulled out the new nightgown Raguel had given her. Heading back into the bathroom she quickly changed, constantly looking over her shoulder the entire time. Thankfully, he didn’t follow her and taking a deep breath she prepared herself for what was waiting for her beyond the door.

Peeking out from around the corner, she hesitantly stepped back into the bedroom. He was still sitting on the edge of the bed waiting for her to return. It was strange seeing him there but she wasn’t as upset as she had let on. She had grown so used to both of the demons always being around that she felt almost empty when they were gone. Pulling on the bottom of the nightgown, she bit her bottom lip. Scooting to the bed slowly, her feet slid across the plush carpet. Taking a seat next to him, Azazel watched her the entire time, his eyes continuing to scan her. I wish you wouldn’t wear that.

Looking down at the nightgown, she gently tugged on the lace that lined the bottom. What’s wrong with it? It fits me and I look good in it.

Smiling, Azazel glanced up at the ceiling.