PROLOGUE

Ikutachi lay on the floor of the Biology lab, covered in every body fluid imaginable. He knew he needed to get up, but every inch of his body hummed with pain. Barbatos and Kharis had left him there; weak and defenseless, without so much as a second thought. His physical pain coupled with his emotional agony was too much to bear. He began to cry, trembling uncontrollably on the cold tile floor…

CHAPTER 1

A few months later…

Barbatos waited for Kharis at their usual meeting spot. It was well into their summer break, and they were trying to have as much fun as they could before they were forced to either choose a master or return to Hell.

Checking his watch for the third time, Barbatos sucked his teeth in irritation. Kharis was only ever late for one of two reasons: Sex and sex. No doubt he was curled up in bed with a new lover, reveling in the sins of the flesh. Not surprising really. Considering Kharis was the bastard son of the demon Lust, such behavior was as natural as breathing for the red-headed demon.

Barbatos didn't mind though. He was often included in most of Kharis' sexual adventures, so it was usually a win/win for him. After another 15 minutes or so, Barbatos decided to head back to his dorm room. He'd grab some lunch on the way and play a few video games until Kharis called him.

Barbatos' room was on the 3rd floor of the dormitory with the rest of the Phantoms. Some idiot broke the elevator the week before, so he was forced to take the stairs. Juggling his food, cellphone and the keys to his room, he took the stairs two by two. He'd made it to the 2nd story landing when he caught sight of Yukimura Sanada coming out of one of the Anima rooms on the 2nd floor.

"Do I have to go?" The Divina asked, leaning into the open doorway.

A slender hand pushed the Divina back outside. Words were exchanged, but Barbatos couldn't quite hear what the person inside the room was saying.

"You're killing me," Yukimura replied, taking hold of the beautiful hand and tugging the owner into his arms.

Ikutachi?

The sight of the pale Anima caught Barbatos so off guard, he nearly dropped everything in his hands on the ground. Moving out of the two daemons' line of sight, he peeked around the corner and watched them silently.

Ikutachi was dressed in a dark green robe; the color contrasting with his flawless skin in such a way that it made Barbatos' groin ache with need. A matching silk strap held the robe shut, but the front bowed open causing the fabric to slide off his delicate shoulder.

Yukimura had the same idea as Barbatos. The Divina leaned down to nip the tender flesh, trailing a line of kisses up the Anima's neck and along his jawline, before finally claiming Ikutachi's lips. The sight made Barbatos' eye twitch and his teeth clench.

Ikutachi slid his hands up Yukimura's chest, breaking their kiss and pushing the Divina away.

"You need to go," the Anima said. "I've got studying to do."

"I can help," Yukimura insisted, reaching for the strap and trying to untie it.

"I need to focus," Ikutachi replied, slapping the Divina's hand away. "Plus, I thought you had work today."

Ignoring Ikutachi's half-hearted attempts to hold him at bay, Yukimura moved to cup the Anima's bottom. "I'll call in sick."

"Next time," Ikutachi said, dropping a kiss on Yukimura's chin before turning to go back into his room.

Yukimura grab Ikutachi's arm, yanking the Anima back into his arms. "You can't leave me like this," he said, grinding his hips against Ikutachi's ass.

The Anima rolled his eyes, clearly irritated, but feigning sympathy. "Fine," he said, reaching back to rub Yukimura's hardened cock. "I'll take care of 'him' for you, but after that you have to leave."

Yukimura smiled greedily, slipping his hand into the collar of Ikutachi's robe as he pushed him back into the room. The door slammed shut, followed by the clicking sound of the lock.

Barbatos stepped out of his hiding spot. He was filled with rage, overcome by the need to kill something; preferably Yukimura.

When the hell had Ikutachi become such a seductress?! The Anima was a nerd; plain and boring. Sure he had a pretty face, especially when he wasn't wearing his thick-rimmed glasses. But the Anima Barbatos knew was shy and painfully quiet. Yet despite all that, Ikutachi had managed to not only catch the eye of the infamous Yukimura Sanada, but he actually had the Divina begging for more!

Just then, Barbatos' phone rang. It was Kharis. Barbatos started to answer, but stopped himself before pushing the green call button. His first instinct was to tell Kharis what he'd just seen. After all, they were best friends and shared everything. But for some reason, the last person Barbatos wanted to know about Ikutachi's sudden transformation was Kharis. The demon wouldn't be able to resist taking the Anima again, and this time Barbatos didn't want to share.

Ignoring the call, Barbatos put his phone in his pocket and went up to his room. He would eat then grab a shower, and once he thought Yukimura was gone, he'd go down to see Ikutachi. Though he'd seen the Anima several times after the "biology lab incident," neither he nor Kharis had made any effort approach him. He was used goods, and both he and Kharis were already on to the next target.

But now…

The thought of sampling Ikutachi's body again made Barbatos smile. He couldn't wait to see the Anima's crying face once more…

CHAPTER 2

The knock at the door grew louder despite Ikutachi's best efforts to ignore it. He was elbow deep in work, putting the finishing touches on a paper for one of his classes. When it became clear the person wasn't going to go away, Ikutachi set his laptop aside and walked to the door.

He was dressed in nothing but a large white t-shirt and a pair of boxers. After Yukimura had left, he'd taken a shower and put on something comfortable to work in. He hadn't expected any more company for the day, so he hadn't bother trying to look reasonably presentable. Oh well… He'd get rid of whoever it was and go back to work.

"Geez, what is your problem? Obviously, I… I…" Ikutachi's words trailed off when he realized who was standing at his door.

"I hope I'm not bothering you," Barbatos said, his signature smile on his smug and annoyingly handsome face. "I was hoping we could… talk."

Images of his rape flashed through Ikutachi's mind. The pain, the humiliation, the rage… It was bad enough to have to live with the memories; see the two demons day after day while they acted like none of it ever happened. But for Barbatos to show up at his door, smiling at him like it was the most natural thing in the world… It made Ikutachi's blood boil!

But Ikutachi wasn't about to let Barbatos' sudden appearance get the better of him. He'd be damned if he'd showed weakness in front of the demon again. After all, revenge against an enemy starts with not letting them know they're your enemy. Keep them close, play nice, and feign friendship. And then, when their guard is completely down, crush them…

Ikutachi smiled, careful not to oversell his fake kindness. If this was the introduction to the story of his revenge, then it needed to be executed with flawless precision.

"Barbatos," he said; his voice cool and calm with just the right amount of inflection. "It's good to see. It's been a while hasn't it?"

"Yeah," Barbatos replied; his eyes flashing with what could only be anticipation. "I didn't know you lived in the same building as me. I saw you the other day and thought it would be cool to stop by and catch up."

Catch up… Ikutachi wanted laughed. He and Barbatos had lived in the same dorm for the last 4 years, and the Phantom had only now realized Ikutachi lived one floor down.

Ikutachi gave his best impression of disappointment, scrunching his lips into what he hoped was an adorable pout. Based on the Phantom's reaction, it was.

"I'm sorry, Barbatos, but I'm kind of busy right now."

"Really? Whatcha up to?"

Ikutachi pulled the door open, leaning against the frame. Barbatos swallowed tightly; his obvious struggle to keep his eyes on Ikutachi's face nothing short of amusing.

"I'm writing a paper for class about the influence of modern society on the Guild. It's focused on the daemon/master relationship taken from the daemon's perspective."

"Wow," Barbatos said, sounding genuinely impressed. "I'd love to hear about it."

"Sure," Ikutachi replied, laughing soflty. "Perhaps I can read it to you some time."

"That would great."

Ikutachi smiled up at the Phantom, pushing lightly off the door frame. Brushing the hair from his eyes, he let the collar of his shirt fall off his shoulder. It was a trick he used with Yukimura all the time. Exposing this tiny piece of flesh was enough to elicit the Divina's desire. Yukimura would do anything to see more. Anything Ikutachi told him to…

Barbatos was no exception; his eyes immediately tracing the line of Ikutachi's bare shoulder. Of course, it didn't stop there. The Phantom's gaze traveled leisurely down the length of Ikutachi's slender frame, then back up again with same slow deliberateness. When their eyes finally meant again, Ikutachi could see the flames of the desire burning brightly in the Phantom's ruby gaze.

"Is something wrong?" Ikutachi asked, feigning ignorance. "You look flushed all the sudden."

"I'm fine," Barbatos said. "I think it's just the heat."

"Oh ok," Ikutachi replied, breathing a sigh of relief. "I was going to offer you a glass of water, but since you're fine, I guess…"

"I could use some water," Barbatos said quickly, pressing his hand to the door frame and leaning close. "If you don't mind, of course."

"Not at all," Ikutachi replied sweetly. "Come on in."

Ikutachi walked over to the fridge, chuckling softly when he heard the lock on the door click. No doubt Barbatos believed he had him cornered. If he only knew…

Ikutachi handed Barbatos a cup of water, pretending he had no idea what the Phantom intended to do. He looked up at Barbatos with wide, innocent eyes, watching the Phantom drink his water. When he finished, Barbatos handed the half-empty cup back to Ikutachi, nodding his head in thanks.

Ikutachi looked at the rim of the glass where Barbatos' lips had touch. Turning it in his hands, Ikutachi brought the cup to his mouth, placing his lips exactly where Barbatos' had been. He looked up at the Phantom over the rim of the cup, finishing off the water.

Barbatos licked his lips; an almost imperceptible shiver running through his body. He reached out to touch Ikutachi, but before his hand made contact, the Anima turned around and walked to set the cup in the sink.

"Feeling better?" he asked, tilting his head to the side.

"Yeah, thanks," Barbatos replied, clearing his throat.

"Well, maybe I'll see you around," Ikutachi said, walking to the door. He pretended to frown when he saw the lock in place. Unlocking the door, he pulled it open. "Take care," he said, gesturing for Barbatos to leave.

The Phantom gave a half-smile, sauntering over to where Ikutachi stood. Pushing the door shut, Barbatos pinned Ikutachi against the wall.

"Why did you invite me in here?" Barbatos asked, leaning down to look Ikutachi in the eyes.

It took every shred of Ikutachi's restraint to keep from smiling triumphantly. The Phantom was so predictable. Presented with the temptation of innocence, his inner demon couldn't help but want to devour it. It was Barbatos' nature, and it was exactly what Ikutachi was counting on…

"Y-you said you were thirsty," Ikutachi stuttered, "so I-I gave you some water."

Barbatos clucked his tongue, taking Ikutachi's chin and lifting the Anima's head so he could place a chaste kiss on his lips.

"After everything that's happened between us," Barbatos whispered, nuzzling Ikutachi's nose with his, "you expect me to believe that's the only reason?"

At some point, Ikutachi didn't need to feign desire. Yes, he despised Barbatos. Yes, he hated the Phantom for his arrogance and self-righteousness. But none of that changed the fact that the demon lord was incredibly attractive…

"I-I don't know what you mean," Ikutachi replied in a hushed voice, squeezing his eyes shut and trying to turn away before Barbatos kissed him again.

The Phantom reached over to lock the door once more. Ikutachi pretended to flinch at the sound, eliciting a soft rumble of laughter from deep in Barbatos' chest. The Phantom pushed his hand between Ikutachi's legs, fondling the Anima's half-hardened cock through the thin fabric of his shorts.

"I'm talking about this," Barbatos murmured against the Anima's cheek.

Ikutachi whimpered softly, fighting back the tiny bubble of fear in his belly. He couldn't allow the memory of his rape to distract him. He needed to maintain control of the situation no matter what. Ikutachi opened his eyes, using the real terror he felt to make himself cry.

Of all the little nuances Ikutachi had forced himself to remember about his fateful encounter with Kharis and Barbatos, it was the crying that stood out the most. Barbatos had gotten off on it. The fear, the panic, the look of sheer and utter defeat… It's what made the sex that much better for the Phantom.

"There they are," Barbatos whispered, leaning forward to kiss the tears sliding down Ikutachi's cheek.

This was it. The moment Ikutachi knew he had the Phantom right where he wanted him. It was time to make his move. When Barbatos pulled back, Ikutachi forced himself to meet Barbatos' fiery gaze.

"Touch me…" he whispered, straining to kiss the Phantom's lips.

Barbatos didn't hesitate, tearing the shirt from Ikutachi's body. "Damn, you're beautiful," he whispered, feathering kisses along Ikutachi's neck and down his chest.

Ikutachi moaned softly, letting his head fall back against the wall as he coaxed Barbatos lower and lower. In truth, he hadn't expected the Phantom to suck him off, but when the Barbatos' lips wrapped around his leaking cock, Ikutachi decided that for now he could give into the pleasure.

It was messy and wet, and before long Ikutachi was moaning and panting uncontrollably. He could barely keep himself up, but then again he didn't have to. Barbatos hooked one of the Anima's legs over his shoulder, allowing Ikutachi to rest most of his weight on the Phantom's sturdy frame.

Ikutachi assumed this tactic was simply to keep him from tumbling to the ground, but when Barbatos' finger entered his body, the Anima realized it was merely to give him the access he needed.

"Barbatos…" Ikutachi panted. "Stop! I'm going to…!"

Barbatos pushed another finger inside, using both to massage the secret spot hidden deep in Ikutachi's core. Robbed of the ability to speak, Ikutachi decided to ride this lustful wave of passion.

Taking hold of Barbatos' head, Ikutachi forced himself deeper into the Phantom's mouth, marveling at how skilled Barbatos was. When it came to sex, Ikutachi saw Barbatos as more of a taker, than giver, so not even in his wildest dreams could he have imagined that the Phantom would be so good at giving head. It made Ikutachi wonder what other tricks the Phantom had up his sleeves.

Unfortunately, such thoughts would have to wait. He was about to cum, and he wanted all of his attention focused on watching Barbatos swallow every single drop.

Barbatos did not disappoint, allowing Ikutachi to milk his cock with the back of the Phantom's throat. Standing was no longer possible. With Barbatos' help, Ikutachi slid to the floor. His body felt incredible, and although he wanted to revel in the after effects of his orgasm, he knew Barbatos would take advantage of his momentary weakness.

"Oh my, God," Ikutachi gasped, looking up at the clock. "You have to go!"

Barbatos was already trying to mount Ikutachi, so needless to say he was not happy with the Anima's sudden declaration.

"Are you fucking kidding me," he hissed; his cock already out and ready to go.

"Yes!" Ikutachi retorted, using all the strength he could muster to push Barbatos off of him. "Yukimura will be here any second, and he cannot find you here!"

Ikutachi was totally lying. Yukimura wasn't coming over. In fact, he probably wouldn't see the Divina again until he got another day off of work. But that didn't matter. The goal from the beginning was to get Barbatos all hot and bothered, then, right at the moment of penetration… Stop.

"Fuck Yukimura," Barbatos said, grabbing Ikutachi's arm and trying to pull him back to the ground.

"No offense," Ikutachi replied, breaking free of Barbatos' grasp and racing to get dressed, "but Yukimura will kill you if he finds you here!"

That wasn't a lie. If Yukimura ever found out about what just happened, the Divina would make it his personal mission to torture and murder Barbatos. Ikutachi's relationship with the Divina was meant to be nothing more than a distraction, but somewhere along the line Yukimura had fallen in love with him. It was a troublesome outcome, but nothing Ikutachi couldn't handle.

Barbatos jumped to his feet, trying to stop Ikutachi from pulling on a new shirt. "I'd love to see the Divina try."

"Yeah, well, I just so happen to like him," Ikutachi lied, enjoying the way Barbatos flinched at his false confession, "so if you don't mind, I'd appreciate it if you'd leave!"

"You like him? After what we just did, you want me to believe that you actually like that pompous, arrogant asshole?"

"Listen," Ikutachi replied, pulling on a pair of pants. "Clearly, I gave you the wrong idea. Sure, some… things happened between us, but I refuse to hurt Yukimura like this."

Barbatos closed the distance between them, grabbing Ikutachi by the shoulders. "You would choose him over me? The guy you've wanted for almost 4 years?!"

Ikutachi huffed in frustration. "It's not that simple! I can't just break things off with him!"

"Yes you can! And if you want, I'll break it off for you!"

Ikutachi gave Barbatos his best, "I want you, but I can't betray Yukimura," look. The expression had just the effect the Anima was looking for.

Barbatos pulled Ikutachi into his arms, kissing him long and hard in hopes of swaying the Anima's mind. Ikutachi leaned into the kiss, pretending to lose himself for a moment before coming back to his sense.

"No!" he cried, pushing Barbatos away and stumbling back. "You need to leave! Now!"

Barbatos blew out an angry breath, "This isn't over, Anima!"

"Oh yes it is," Ikutachi shot back. "Now leave! And don't come back here again, do you understand?"

"Fine," Barbatos hissed, shoving his still rock hard cock back into his pants and walking awkwardly towards the door. "I don't need this shit from you. I can have my pick of lovers far better than some Anima whore. Have fun playing house with your worthless Divina."

Throwing the lock back, Barbatos practically ripped the door off its hinges, slamming it behind him.

A slow smile spread across Ikutachi's face.

Step one complete…

Despite his passionate decree, there was no way the Phantom would stay away. Ikutachi had given Barbatos just enough passion and just enough indifference to keep him confused and wanting more. Add the challenge of "stealing" him away from Yukimura; another Alpha male, and there was no way Barbatos was going to give up the chase.

Never had Ikutachi imagined things would work out so perfectly. He'd been plotting his revenge since the moment Barbatos and Kharis left him lying on the biology room floor. True, he hadn't anticipated executing his plans so soon, but how could he throw away such a perfect opportunity?

No, this was the beginning of the end for Barbatos, and if everything worked out the way he anticipated, Kharis too would feel the Anima's wrath. Ikutachi stretched languidly, mentally patting himself on the back.

"Let the games begin."