Page 21 of Underworld

His eyes meet mine before he smiles again. “You want to be friends with us?”

I try not to move my head as I shrug. “What better friends to have than the top dogs in Hades’ Hellhound Crew. Plus . . . I feel like you guys would be awesome friends to have.”

Beta snickers as he pulls away, taking in his work. His eyes meet mine, and his face grows serious. “It’s dangerous to be friends with us.”

I hum. “Well, I’m sure it’s dangerous to be friends with me too.”

He taps the end of the brush to his lips as he nods. “I suppose you have a point. Okay, I think you’re ready.”

He helps me down from the counter, and I take a deep breath before turning to look at myself in the mirror. My jaw drops when I see my reflection. One side of my face is the outline of a skull, and the other has intricate flowers. It’s perfect. My eyes meet Beta’s, and I whisper, “Thank you, Jax.”

His eyes widen at his name, then he gives me a soft smile. “You’re welcome, Jane,” he whispers back.

My eyes meet Alpha’s in the mirror, and I watch as he closes the bathroom door. He turns to meet my gaze in the mirror before saying, “It’s safe to talk.”

I don’t whisper my next words. “How am I supposed to be Persephone, Silas? I’ve spent the last ten years just trying to survive. I’ve been hiding for so long that I don't know if I can do this.”

I watch Silas’ stern face soften as he replies, “You’re not Jane right now. You’re Persephone. You can do this.”

“What if I fuck it up?!”

Jax grips my shoulders and replies, “The woman I saw downstairs wasn’t Jane. She was Persephone. She was strong and took charge.”

I take a deep breath, trying to embody that woman again. Silas opens the door and nods to me. “Don’t try so hard to be her; you already are her.”

Jax gives my shoulders one last squeeze before backing away. “You’ve got this, Seph.”

I can’t help but grin at the nickname. Clapping my hands together, I nod. Grabbing my heels from the counter, I slip them on. I look back up to find that Jax and Silas have put their contacts in. I snort out a laugh. “You guys do know you look creepy as fuck with those contacts in, right?”

Silas gives me a devilish grin and leaves the bathroom. “That’s the point,” he calls over his shoulder.

I shrug. I suppose that is the point. Jax gives me a nod before following after his brother. I follow behind them, and with each step I take, I feel a little bit better. With the click of my heels against the floor, Persephone comes alive.

Resuming our roles, Alpha allows me to walk in front, but not far enough ahead that he couldn't pull me to safety at a moment's notice.

I hear Beta’s whispered words behind me, “Get it, Seph.” I snort a laugh when I hear a grunt.

“Shut the fuck up,” Alpha whisper shouts.

“What?” Beta whispers, “I was just giving her a little confidence boost before she walks into a room full of demons.”

Entering the room, I pause for a moment. Jace looks every bit the part of Hades as he stands by his throne. Howe stands guard on the other side like Cerberus is meant to do. Alec is by the door to deliver people like Charon is meant to do. And lastly, there’s Zane. He looks like the god of death, Thanatos.

The room suddenly goes dark before UV lights shine. All of their facial tattoos shine in the darkness. I look back to find Jace holding out a hand for me. He has a soft smile as he says, “Hello, My Queen.”

I make my way over and slide my hand into his. He gives it a soft kiss before he nods to his throne. “Have a seat, Persephone.”

Interesting, but I do as I’m told. Once I’m seated, Jace sits on the arm of the chair, and Howe stands a little closer to my other side.

“Our first person of the night wishes for an audience. Would you like me to deliver them to you, My Queen?” Alec asks.

I look over to Jace, confused by the question. Am I in charge tonight? He lifts a brow. “Charon asked a question, Persephone. You are in charge tonight.”

Suddenly empowered by this change, I sit up straighter. I cross my legs and lean to the side closest to Howe. I smile at Alec as I say, “Bring us the souls who wish to barter with death, Charon.”

Chapter Seventeen

Jane

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