Page 62 of Princess of Hell

He was lost in deep thought, tears running from his eyes.

“What’s wrong? I know this was a bit much, and I’m sorry for the wolf.”

Preach rolled his eyes and used the back of his hand to wipe away his tears. “It’s not that. Silver. Do you have the slightest idea how much you mean to me?”

“You mean a lot to me, too, sweetie. Where’s that coming from?”

“It’s different for me. My entire life, all I had were images from your life. More often than not, I was sure I was crazy. Then, the day I met you, I felt we were connected. I felt relieved. I’m not crazy. You are my life. It’s more than attraction. This evening, I felt what you felt for Caspian, and for a while, I became insecure. He’s your fated mate. What’s my role in your life now that you have a sexy hot Demon who can touch you and offer you all the delights you crave?

“Oh, Preach. I haven’t thought about things this way. But I talked to Caspian about you, and what we have, and what you are has a name. You’re a Soul Mirror. The way Caspian explained it, a piece of my soul is anchored in your heart. We are beyond lovers.”

Preach looked as if his entire life broke to pieces right in front of me. It hurt me as if it was my pain. I read once that when you love someone, their pain is yours.

“Soul Mirror, huh? I love it. It sounds like something special. But who am I fooling? You’ll return to Hell, and I’ll stay behind.”

“No. Come with me, if you like.”

“You’re joking now, right? Don’t play with me, Silver.”

“I’m not. But I have to tell you something. I think you know, but I have to be certain. You know I’m Lucifer’s daughter, right, and that I’m going to marry Caspian? My shield should be lifted after my wedding, but I can’t be sure of that. My world is very different from this one here. Once you step into Hell, I’m not sure you’re going to be able to leave because, technically, you’re mortal.”

“Silver, being away from you, missing you, that was Hell. Wherever you are is exactly where I need to be.”

A sweet smile touched Preach’s lips.

“My real name is Gabriel, by the way, but I never liked it. It reminded me of my extremely Christian family and the beating I got over time from them.”

I stood in front of Gabriel, Preach and touched his jaw with my gloved hand. My body was cold again, but his warmth kept me warm. “This is special. Thank you, love.”

His blue eyes held on to mine. I felt the way my soul mirrored his, everything that was going on between us.

“Please….” Preach spoke the word as if it hurt to say it.

“Anything.” I wanted to lean my forehead against his, get to that point where our souls melted into one.

“Say my name, just once. It would heal my soul in a way only you can do.”

I breathed sweet air from the New Orleans garden. Preach was close to me. At that moment, there was no one else except us on the surface of the Earth. I bit my lip. Why did it feel difficult to say his name? His blue eyes told me stories only my soul could understand.

“Gabriel.” My voice sounded foreign, even to myself.

“Thank you, Silver.” He took my hand and kissed the inside of my wrist through my glove.

We stood a while longer in silence, listening to the night and seeing each other. With Preach, I felt safe in a way I never felt before in my life, and I knew I’d even battle my father to make sure my sweet boy was all right.

“Silver.” Lilith’s voice sounded from inside. “We’re all hungry and want to order something. What would you like?”

“Pizza?”

“Cool. What kind?”

“How about tuna.” I loved tuna pizza since I tried it the first time.

Eighteen

Silver

When Preach and I entered Lilith’s house, the shifter's body was gone and the kitchen was squeaky clean. The only man around was Caspian.