Page 11 of Another Underworld

I flipped her off. Abaddon simply nodded. The next time we had an aerobic, athletic and very vocal bout of fornication I would soundproof my home. The comments from the peanut gallery were too much.

My mother approached and bowed to me. That felt all kinds of strange, but I didn’t stop her. Demon behavior was steeped in tradition. I wasn’t going to be able to change what had been going on for billions of years.

“As much as I’d like to stay,” Lilith said, glancing back at Man-mom, Uncle Joe and Sean with a nod. “I agree with you.”

“Thank you, mom,” I said. “I can’t lose you—any of you.”

“And you won’t,” she promised. She turned and gestured to Pandora to join us.

Pandora reluctantly did my mother’s bidding. Her attitude sucked, but at least she wasn’t trying to kill everyone anymore.

Lilith gazed at us for a long moment. Whatever she was about to say was important. I felt in in my gut. The Immortals were very into cryptic messages. I didn’t love that but was learning to live with it.

“There is something both of you must keep in mind.” Lilith said. “A Goddess who is not worshiped by her people is no longer a Goddess. Whether the loyalty is borne of fear, adoration or habit, it must be maintained. The Immortal world is not a democracy. It is a hierarchy. I didn’t create the system,I simply abided by it. There have to be two Goddesses of the Darkness. Period. Without that, the balance will falter and the end will come.”

I spared a glance at Pandora. Her expression was grim. Shit. Her people had defected. I had no freaking clue how to solve that. And it sucked that I had to solve it. I did have the loyalty of the Demons who’d followed my mother, and I was aware that many of Pandora’s people had transferred their fealty to me. However, we hadn’t been in the Darkness in a while. All hell could be breaking loose.

I needed Dagon to come back. If he didn’t arrive soon, we’d have to go in blind. Not the best strategy.

“Do you happen to have any ideas on how to accomplish that?” I asked my mom.

Her laugh sounded like bells tinkling on the breeze. “I am no longer a Goddess, Cecily. You are and I know in my heart that you will find a way.”

It wasn’t exactly helpful, but it was a vote in my favor. I’d take it.

“What’s next?” Pandora demanded, staring at me. Her hands were planted on her hips, and her mouth was in a sneer. For such a stunning woman she could be some serious ugly.

I wanted to punch her. She was one half of the two Goddesses of the Darkness. How was all this my responsibility?

“I don’t know, Stinky Whore,” I shot right back. “Was hoping you might have a few ideas.”

She rolled her eyes and groaned. “We’re all going to die.”

“Cakehole. Shut it,” I snapped. Looking around, I realized the only thing I could do was to keep moving. If I screwed up, I’d fix it. The only issue that would get in the way was death. I had no time to die. “Okay. Ophelia, I’d like you to escort Lilith, Man-mom, Uncle Joe, Sean and the munchkins to the safe house, please. You’ll stay there and be in charge.”

My busty bestie saluted me. “As you wish, Bitch.”

“Thank you, Jackass.”

“Shall we join as protectors?” Drogruzun inquired as Brolrath and Ezzanod stepped up beside him. “We are somewhat adept at controlling the wild wee ones and would be honored to act as body guards to keep your family safe.”

“Can they fight?” Abaddon asked.

“Definitely,” I said without hesitation. The three Demons were deadly and precise. “I would be most grateful for your service.”

Brolrath smiled and cleared his throat. He looked a little unsure of himself and rocked back and forth on his feet. “We were wondering…”

Ezzanod took over. “Yes, we were wondering if we’re allowed to stay. This plane seems to carry endless possibilities and we would be humbled serve you.”

“Oh my gosh, yes!” I answered quickly. The poor Demons had been stuck on the Higher Power’s plane for… always. I’d been kind of shocked when they’d shown up here. I’d assumed they’d been figments of my imagination. It was a gift that they were real. “You’re very welcome here.”

“Thank you, Bitch Goddess Cecily,” they said in unison as they bowed low.

“Also,” Cher chimed in, pulling out an electric blue eye pencil and a sheaf of paper. “I’d be willing to sign you, gentlemen. I could definitely get you birthday party work since you look like Mr. Rogers, Mr. McFeely and Pee-wee Herman! Not to mention, if you’re funny, you could do stand-up! What do ya say?”

The trio was confused. Just like Abaddon had no clue who Tom Petty was, the guys had no idea was Cher was going on about.

“Cher,” I said, shaking my head. “Your timing sucks.”

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