Page 37 of Hell Gate

Something Matthias told me when we were first flung into our life on the run surfaces in my mind. “It’s okay to grieve it. You guarded it for a long time.”

“There’s nothing to miss about a cursed assignment to punish me for my mistakes,” he growls. “I’m going to check the perimeter is secured with Alder.”

I jump to my feet as Valerian stalks off.

Matthias catches my hand to stop me, grip firm. “Stay with me.” His gaze cuts away, the bright gold color dimmed. “Let the broody bastard go. He gets like this sometimes without Alder around to distract him from getting lost in his rage. They used to be at each other’s throats when Alder was appointed to keep him in check. By the time I was assigned to guard the gate with them, I was sure they’d kill each other and I’d wind up with a sweet gig all to myself.”

I watch the tent flap, wishing to go after him, but not wanting to leave Matthias’ side when he asked me to stay. “Why?”

“The three of us have been together a long time. Over a century for me, even longer for them. In all that time, we’ve never really forged friendship. We tolerate each other at best.” He chuckles, ruffling his hair. “Alder used to say it was because he had no respect for a disgraced knight and a guy like me who doesn’t take anything seriously. He’s a buzzkill yes-man who follows his orders no matter what. Guarding the gate isn’t what he wanted, though. I think he was just pissed he was taken away from a warrior guild to become a guard.”

“Valerian was a knight?” I picture him as if he’s a character from one of the fantasy worlds in my manga, cutting a brooding yet handsome figure with a cloak and armor.

I can see it, though I prefer the trench coat I first teased him about in my head. There’s something more roguish and dangerous about him now that’s far more appealing.

“Yeah, highly decorated, one of the top fighters among Lucifer’s knights. The king trusted him implicitly. He was lined up to become commander of the demon knights until he screwed up and lost the charge he was supposed to protect.”

“Oh.”

It helps me understand why Valerian got so uptight about today’s encounters. He doesn’t want to fail protecting another person he’s promised to keep safe.

“The council decided instead of paying for his failure with his life, he would spend eternity guarding the borders between the realms.”

“So if Alder only took the guard position to follow orders and Valerian had no choice, how did you end up there?”

“The urban legend was drawing too many people for them to handle alone. The only good part was free rein to discover how interesting the human world is, and even that was starting to lose its appeal. This is much more exciting. Being on the run with you.” His mouth tugs up at the corner and his fingers thread through mine. “You came along and somehow you’re the glue that makes us work together.”

“Come on,” I scoff. “We’re all dysfunctional. Forced together because the alternate option is dying. I’m sure you’d all survive just fine without me.”

He steps past me, tugging on my hand. “Let’s go explore. You said you’ve always wanted to go to a theme park.” Some of his upbeat energy returns. He’s been odd since our close call at the rest stop. He shoots a kid-in-a-candy-store grin over his shoulder. “We’re not passing up the opportunity.”

I laugh and allow him to lead me out of the tent under the twilight sky. My worries and stress slip away as he lifts my spirits.

When we reach the carousel, he helps me untangle myself from a thorny vine that snags my clothes. I rest a hand on his shoulder for balance. “A pencil skirt is definitely not the right outfit for exploring abandoned rides.”

“Want to trade?” Matthias’ smirk is mischievous. He pinches the hem of his t-shirt to flash me his abs. “You’d look way better in my shirt.”

I fight back a smile at his flirting, glad that he’s back to his normal self. It breaks free anyway, and he hums, offering me a hand to help me step onto the carousel platform. I spin around when elastic snaps against my thigh, lifting my brows at his mask of innocence. He hooks a finger in one of the holes of my tights and flicks his gaze up to meet mine.

“I’ll get your bag from the car when we go back to the tent so you can change.”

“Thanks,” I say sardonically. “My hero.”

His teeth rake over his lip and he waggles his brows. “As long as I get to watch, babe.”

A soft, husky laugh leaves me. Grabbing the pole of a faded white horse, I swing away from him. “It sucks we can’t get this thing working.”

“Pick one.” He follows me as I weave through the carousel. “We’ll close our eyes and imagine it.”

It’s like I have permission to let go of everything that weighs me down when we’re alone. He reminds me I deserve to have a good time rather than the bitterness I’ve internalized for years. I have more fun with him than I’ve ever had.

I circle the entire first tier of the ride, ending up back at the horse where we climbed on. Matthias brushes against my back, grabbing my hips. A squeal slips out of me as he boosts me onto the chipped seat.

“Here, beautiful.” He has a small wildflower he twirls between his fingers. “I found this on the other side for you. A flower for my petal.”

Cheeks flushing, I accept it. “Thank you. What’s this for?”

“Because I love your smile and I’ll do anything to earn it,” he murmurs.

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