Ascending from Hell (Devil Family Series, Book 2)

By Christie Silvers

Carina’s life is yet again thrown into chaos when she finds herself torn between her newfound love and the desperate need to protect her new family from her father’s deadly threats.

Just as she and Devon discover their love for one another, Carina is forced to sacrifice that love in order to keep her new family safe, as well as keep their hold over Hell out of her father’s clutches.

Malvis pushes her day after day to train with Maurice to lure her dormant powers to the surface. He wants her by his side as he takes over Earth. Without her, he’ll never succeed, so he holds the safety of the Devils over her head until she complies with his requests.

Carina doubts her very identity when she finds out her powers come with a physical manifestation of her demonic heritage. Does this mean she’s evil? Can angels have horns, or has everything she believed been a lie? And when her missing mother shows up, wanting Carina’s help with the impending battle, she discovers her angelic side isn’t much better than her demon side.

Meanwhile, Devon finds himself engulfed in self-pity and confusion. How could his new bride leave him? Why does his family stand idly by, failing to rescue her from the clutches of the sinister Malvis? Desperate to bring her home, Devon’s pain and urgency are met with disregard by his father.

But just as hope seems lost, Lucian reveals he’s had a plan all along, one that hinges on Devon taking action on his own. Devon’s frustration with his father’s constant tests push him to leave his parents behind as he hatches a plan of his own. He will bring Carina home, one way or another!

As Carina grapples with her identity and newfound powers, and as Devon confronts his own emotional turmoil, they must find a way to navigate a treacherous path, where love, loyalty, and the fight against darkness intertwine in a race against time with Heaven, Hell, and Earth hanging in the balance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christie Silvers
• Release date: Aug 22, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215306031

Christie Silvers

Award-winning internationally published indie author of urban fantasy with a touch of naughtiness. Vampires, werewolves, and witches...oh my!

Book preview

Christie Silvers

Ascending from Hell

Devil Family series: Book 2

First published by Christie Silvers 2023

Copyright © 2023 by Christie Silvers

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

Christie Silvers asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

Christie Silvers has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party Internet Websites referred to in this publication and does not guarantee that any content on such Websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.

Designations used by companies to distinguish their products are often claimed as trademarks. All brand names and product names used in this book and on its cover are trade names, service marks, trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective owners. The publishers and the book are not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. None of the companies referenced within the book have endorsed the book.

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Author’s Note: No artificial intelligence (A.I.) or predictive language software was used in any part of the creation of this book, nor will it ever be for any of my works.

First edition

ISBN: 979-8-21-530603-1

Cover art by Etheric Tales

This book was professionally typeset on Reedsy

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Contents

1. Carina

2. Devon

3. Carina

4. Devon

5. Carina

6. Devon

7. Carina

8. Devon

9. Carina

10. Devon

11. Carina

12. Devon

13. Carina

14. Devon

15. Carina

16. Devon

17. Carina

18. Devon

19. Carina

20. Devon

21. Carina

22. Devon

23. Carina

24. Devon

25. Carina

26. Devon

27. Carina

Epilogue

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About the Author

Also by Christie Silvers

One

Carina

Chapter Separator

Nightmares are something you’re supposed to wake up from. Something that only happens when your eyes are closed. A startle, a jump, a shiver in the deep darkness of night shakes you from the terrors of unconsciousness and brings you back into the light of reality. However, my nightmares were during the waking hours now. Stress and despair filled every breath of my day.

As the days ticked by, my jail cell slowly transformed into something of a more tolerable residence. The hard cot with one filthy, itchy blanket that smelled like death turned into a plush mattress on a bed big enough for four people, covered with thick, down-filled comforters smelling like lavender and vanilla.

The dark, dank jail cell turned into an enormous suite filled with beauty and comfort, a walk-in closet bursting with anything I could dream of, and a luxurious bathroom well-stocked with all the perfumed salts, creams, and scented sprays to match the colors and smells of the dozens of flowers sitting on every flat surface that would hold them.

Disdain and deep-seated hatred were slowly replaced with acceptance, knowing that if I didn’t stop fighting Malvis during every second of the day, this would go more smoothly. He knew I despised him, and I got the feeling he didn’t feel much differently toward me. However, he wanted something from me and the only way I could protect my family was to give in to his wants. Even if I didn’t want to.

It had only been a few weeks since the night I walked away from Devon, leaving him in raging despair, and my new family safe from Malvis’s advancements on their Kingdom of Hell. All that mattered was keeping them safe. Malvis agreed to leave them alone as long as I helped him conquer Heaven and Earth.

Yet, I didn’t know how to help him with any of that, nor did I have the desire to learn. At some point, he’d reach his limits with my lackadaisical approach to his lessons on corruption and my zealous reaction to spending quality time in my suite.

The sun beamed through floor-to-ceiling windows, warming my flesh in a way only the sunshine on Earth could. I let my head fall back and closed my eyes against the light, allowing my wings to spread wide behind me, and took in the heat while imagining Devon’s lips on my neck. His fingers caressed down my arms, leaving goosebumps in their wake. Hairs on the back of my neck raised, and a shiver rushed down my back, straight to my clenching core.

Carina, he whispered against my ear, his breath tickling the tiny hairs. I inhaled deeply, licking my lips and pushing back against him, waiting for the pressure against my buttocks from his rock hard manhood. The need for him to be inside me was almost more than I could contain. The building sensations would soon take over and I’d be weak in the knees and sobbing on the floor because it wasn’t real.

Carina! Malvis bellowed from behind me.

I startled from my daydream with a scream. My heart pounded in my chest so hard I thought it might try to escape its confines and leap to the floor below, leaving me dying in its wake.

Unfulfilled release led to frustration when I snapped at Malvis through gritted teeth. What do you want this time?

His angry, plump face glared at me with beady eyes full of disgust and hatred.

Is that any way to speak to your father? He waved a hand around toward the lavish room. The very person who keeps you safe and in the lap of luxury.

I turned away from him, nausea settling into the pit of my stomach, and stared out the windows at the crystalline waters far below. None of this matters. I shrugged. You brought me here with no input on my part. I’d be happier back in Hell.

With that Devil boy, is what you mean, Malvis scoffed. His hoofed feet clopping across the marble floor toward me. As if he could remotely understand the full strength of your powers. He stepped up beside me and looked down at the scene below us. His bulbous stomach was barely an inch from touching the glass as he huffed, Stupid humans don’t have a clue what’s in store for them. Look at them rushing around down there like insects. All they care about is food and fornication.

The filthy creature instantly squished my desire for fornication beside me. How could my mother have ever been attracted to this monster? Or was it true what Emmanuel told me about her being violated, resulting in my creation?

I want this to be a mutually beneficial arrangement, daughter. He turned to me and took my left hand in both his. I flinched and a slap of repulsion soured my stomach even more when the damp, thick hands covered mine. You have to work harder to access your powers. They’re there, I can feel them, he said with a nod, but I have a feeling you’re holding them back, for some reason.

I jerked my hand back from his and returned my gaze to the unknowing people below. How easy it must be to live in ignorance to the other worlds holding your fates in their hands. Maybe it’s because I’m being held against my will. Kept from those I love, and who love me. I glared down at him. Some things require love over hate to come to fruition, but you wouldn’t know about such things. Now would you?

Tsk, tsk, child, he chided and turned away from me. I hoped he would leave me in peace soon. You’re far too young to know anything of the world, or those of us who have been in it for centuries before you were even a glimmer in the universe’s eye.

I glanced over my shoulder at him. Maybe if you’d explain yourself so I could understand the things you keep secret, then maybe I could see where you’re coming from.

He lifted his wide forehead, thrusted his horns backward, and scrunched up his ugly face as he narrowed his beady black eyes at me. I don’t owe anyone—least of all you—an explanation for anything. He pointed a thick finger at me, the thick, yellowing talon jutting toward me when he added, "You will show your strength, daughter. One way or another."

I steeled my spine against his threatening tone and turned to face him as I crossed my arms over my chest and spat back, And if I don’t?

The smirk that spread across his face sent a sudden bolt of fear coursing through my body. He inhaled deeply through his nostrils, puffing up his bare chest and pursing his chapped lips before slowly replying with, Then I’ll kill every single creature in residence at the Devils’ Tower. Every Devil, every servant, every half-angel friend with child… He stepped closer and glared at me to show that he knew about Callie. Everyone!

My hands dropped to my sides and fear bubbled up in the pit of my stomach, the likes I hadn’t felt since the nightmares of my death stopped. You promised. It came out more as a whisper than the forceful, contempt-filled tone only moments before. That’s the only reason I came with you.

"You promised to stand by my side and help ensure my control of Heaven and Earth. He held up his hands and looked around the room. I don’t see that happening, do you? He turned away and reached for the door handle. Follow through with your promise, daughter, or I’ll be forced to go back to my original plans of taking over Hell first." And then he walked out, slamming the door hard enough to rattle its hinges behind him.

I fell into a nearby chair and cupped my face in my hands. I couldn’t allow him to murder my family. They were the only family I’d ever had. I needed them. And Callie… Oh, my Callie and her unborn child!

Tears flowed from my eyes into my hands. Pain filled my heart, and the sobs shook my body. My wings wrapped around me in their comforting manner, but it didn’t help the brokenness I felt in my soul.

There was nothing else for me to do. No more stalling, no more waiting for Devon to rescue me. Dion gave me the gemstone and said to make sure it stayed on my person, but what good did that do if they still couldn’t find me? I had to do something to get myself out of this.

I squeezed my eyes shut and clamped my hands to the sides of my head like a vise, squeezing against the pain inside me. The scream started slow and low, building in strength as the seconds ticked by, until it burst forth and echoed throughout the room like the sounds of an injured animal. Shrill and frantic, I jumped from the chair with such force it tumbled backward. Yet, that was the least of the destruction I caused.

I tore every piece of fabric from the windows, the bed, the bathroom, the closet. It all flew into the air in shreds. Every vase, mirror, glass bottle filled with sweet smelling perfumes crashed to the marble floor and exploded in an array of jagged, sharp pieces. I ignored the searing pain and blood pouring from my bare feet as I ran from one side of the room to the other, destroying everything in sight with the fury of an angered Greek god who felt slighted, raining fire down on the mortals below.

It wasn’t until I sat in a crumpled, sobbing, exhausted heap in the middle of all the destruction that I realized someone else was in the room with me.

He sat in a chair near the door, his legs crossed at the knees and his arms crossed over his chest, causing bulging biceps to peek from the edges of his tee shirt sleeves. His long, blond hair framed his chiseled face, and a look of satisfaction and possible approval curved the corners of his lips into a slight smile.

Hello, beautiful, he said, low and seductive. He raised his eyebrows questioningly. Another satisfying visit from your father, I presume.

Don’t act like you didn’t just pass him out there.

I looked down at myself, covered in blood and feathers from the pillows I’d ripped to shreds. What do you want now, Maurice? I asked with a shake of my head and swiped tears away with the back of my hand. I’m in no mood for your tactics today.

I’d gone back to calling him Maurice, the name he’d used when in service to the Devil family as their witch doctor/medicine man. He hated it and preferred the name he’d given me in the caves of Hell… Byron. And that’s why I called him Maurice.

He stood and strode toward me. Glass crunched beneath his shiny black shoes until he stopped at my side. He kneeled down beside me, balancing easily on the balls of his feet, and pressed a finger beneath my chin to gently coerce me to look up at him.

Even though he was technically the enemy, and wouldn’t stop the constant come-ons, I was glad to have someone I knew in this situation with me. He had his own agenda, which he made clear every single time we were in the same room, but that didn’t stop the tiny ball of comfort from growing inside me anytime he was next to me.

All I want is you, Carina, he whispered. Just like I tell you every time you ask me that question.

His red eyes bored into the depths of my mind as he stared into mine, making me wonder what could possibly happen between the two of us. If only I’d allow it. His plump lips were on mine. Our bodies entwined as one. Ecstasy as we reach climax together.

I jerked my chin from his touch and shoved him backward. He landed on his ass in the glass beside me.

I told you to stop doing that! I shouted and threw a hand up in front of him. Stay out of my head!

He shook the glass from the palm of his left hand with a grumble before pushing up from the floor. I was just trying to show you how life could be if you’d just let me in. He rose to his full height and held a hand out to me. When I didn’t take his offering right away, he added, Come on. Don’t be stubborn, Carina. I’m only here to help.

With a humph, I took his hand and allowed him to pull me to my feet. You aren’t doing any of this out of the kindness of your heart, Maurice. I know exactly what you want from me. I tapped the side of my head with a fingertip. You’ve repeatedly shown me what you want.

I dusted my hands down the front of my now tattered dress and asked, Why are you here this time?

Without even a skip he said, You father wants me to push you harder in your training today, so let’s get to it. He turned to the side and held his left arm out toward the door. Come on.

Two

Devon

Chapter Separator

Where is she? I boomed and slammed my fist down on the table, rattling all the crystal glasses sitting at the head of each chair occupied by my family. It’s been weeks, and none of you have brought me anything substantial! I glared at Dion. I thought you made sure you could track her! Where is the proof? I stood from my chair, pressing both palms to the table and roared, Where is my woman?

Son—

No! I pointed a finger at my father, which I instantly realized was a tremendous mistake.

Excuse me? He raised an eyebrow in possible amusement. "I know you aren’t speaking to me in that tone. He took his elbows off the table and leaned back in his chair, crossing his ample arms over his thick chest. I’m sure you’d like to think before choosing your next words, correct?"

I sighed and fell back down into my chair. I apologize, Father. Scrubbing my hands over my face, I fought back the sting of impending tears with a heavy sigh.

Where is Carina? It’s been weeks, and still no sign of her. How could she do this to me? To us?

I wanted to punch everyone in their stupid fucking faces! Anger flared inside of me from even the smallest glimpse in my direction. If you didn’t have information about Carina, I didn’t want to hear your stupid voice.

The tension running throughout my body clenched my jaw and had my wings at the ready for flight. They didn’t understand that this was more of an internal fighting moment instead of an external flighting moment. All I cared about was finding my wife, and if that