Page 29 of Found In Destruction

“Hells bells, what is she doing?” Lucifer said. I was having so much fun that I didn’t even realize he had entered the room.

“Something incredible,” Judas responded, his voice in awe.

The head gave a high pitched scream, then shouted, “I told him the entrances and our shift schedules! So he’d know when to attack and who'd be protecting each point of entry!”

I stopped my attack, giving him a chance to come completely clean. “Hmmm, that doesn’t seem like enough information for Red. What else did you tell him?”

He remained silent for a moment, then sighed, his face crunched in agony. “I told him you were away from the compound. I gave him a run-down of Judas’ powers, so he could have an edge.”

“Why did you betray your coven?” Judas demanded. He may have come off as calm, but I could feel his anger in his magic.

“Because we’re fighting a losing battle. He gave me immunity, and told me my girlfriend, sire, and sister could have positions in his ranks after his victory.” Tears streamed from his face.

Too bad he’d never get to enjoy his new position. I lifted his head to my face, trying to keep a cool facade. “Bring his girlfriend, sire, and sister in. They’re next.” He started to plead for their mercy, insisting they had nothing to do with his plan.“You’re in no position to make demands. Enjoy the afterlife, whatever that looks like for vampires. I’ll use your head as a decoration and a warning for what happens to traitors.”

“Good choice, Little G. I can put it on a spear, or maybe mount it as wall decor?” Ares suggested.

“I trust your artistic vision,” I deadpanned, handing him the head.

Breaking our connection, I untangled my magic from Judas before letting go of his hand. “I was serious. We need to question his people and make sure they’re not involved. A mind combing is a good first step, but we need to be thorough.”

“That was grade A work. Bravo!” Lucifer clapped. My father gave me a hug, then put his hand on my head. His magic washed over me like a wave for a few seconds.

Just checking you’re completely disconnected. I trust Judas, but he’s a jokester who’d mess with you first to teach you a lesson,he explained.

Truth. He’ll rile the guys up over us holding hands, you watch.

As if I conjured his behavior, he started his antics.

“Diana, your hands are so dainty and soft. Magnificent. Being single is doing you good, friend,” he crooned.

“You touch her hands outside of magical necessity, I’ll beat your ass,” Ares growled.

Desmond didn’t seem as angry as Ares, but he scowled at the vampire. “Are they softer than Angela’s hands?” he asked.Oh, good shot.

Judas couldn’t say yes, because the guys would tell Angie. He couldn’t say no, either. He was too much of a pot stirrer to give up his act so quickly.

“I’d say they’re about the same, but I’d have to hold them both to really know for sure. It may be a family trait. If you get hungry later, Diana, you’re always welcome to sit with your auntand I for lunch and dinner. I can compare then” He kissed the back of my hand, then faded away.

I held my cackle in. He had to hit them where it hurt.

“I’m going to stake that asshole one day,” Ares huffed. He spit on the back of my hand and rubbed his shirt over it, cleaning off the kiss Judas left behind.

“Calm down, he’s getting a rise out of you because you’re an easy target,” Lucifer scoffed. He turned his attention back to me. “So, you tapped into the Costa Coven’s hive-mind using Judas’ magic?” I nodded.

“That was so good, Diana. You’re a quick learner and a natural at torture,” Desmond praised me. It infiltrated the part of my mind that craved positive reinforcement, much to my dismay, giving me a serious dopamine hit.

I hated that this infuriating man still had an effect on me when I didn’t want him to.

“Now that you’re done here, we have an errand to run. I’ll wait outside.” Lucifer faded out, leaving me with the guys again.

My mind ran with possibilities. I was used to my father being evasive, but where were we going?

“You’re a genius, princess. I would have never thought to use their hivemind. The magic behind that was impressive.” Mal wrapped me gently in his arms, kissing me on the head.

“I’ll see you later,” Ares said, taking me off guard when he kissed me on the lips. My bottom lip tingled where he caught it with his teeth.

Desmond stood, giving me a nod and a pat on the shoulder before leaving. I guess his comment earlier was part of his usual games. If he was going to start his hot and cold bullshit again, I wasn’t going to play into it.

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