Page 33 of Dead End

“Chaos, I imagine. I don’t know.”

“Are you thinking about going back to rule?”

His eyes locked on mine. “I gave you my word I wouldn’t do that.”

“I know, but I won’t hold you to that if the alternative is hell on earth.”

“I’ll do it.” Dantalion stood in the doorway with Josie and Alessandro behind him.

Kane blinked in surprise. “You want to rule?”

“The lesser demons will listen to me.”

“Damn right they will.” Alessandro pushed his way into the room. “You should’ve seen him upstairs. Like a boss. Speaking of bosses…” His face paled as he looked at Kane. “I’m sorry I let you down, big guy.”

“You’re not alone, Alessandro. We all failed him,” Dantalion said.

“You did no such thing,” Kane assured them. “There was nothing you could’ve done to change matters.”

“If it helps, I considered hitting him over the head with a keg.”

Kane offered a vague smile. “It helps.”

Alessandro’s gaze skated to me. “And it’s about time you showed up. Where’ve you been?”

Kane reached for my hand. “She’s here now, and that’s all that matters.”

Some of the pain in my chest dislodged. “How soon will you leave, Dan?”

“Now would be best. We have to seize the moment before word spreads that Lucifer is dead.”

“Who’s been holding down the fort?” Lucifer had originally tapped Belphegor to take his place. Too bad I’d beheaded the demon during the final trial.

“Another prince of hell.”

I cracked a smile. “You demons hand out titles like coupons. You don’t think he’ll try to seize power with Lucifer gone?”

Dan shook his head. “He’s not the type, which is why Lucifer chose him. He likes to execute plans without thework of making them.” He glanced at Kane. “For what it’s worth, I think you’re the better choice, but I can understand why you would rather stay here. If I had what the two of you have, all the Lucifers in the world couldn’t tear me away.”

Releasing my hand, Kane stepped forward and clapped a hand on his shoulder. “You’re certain about this?”

“Yes. This is what you and I intended all those years ago. A new type of leadership in hell. If I am to take up that mantle alone, then so be it. I’m ready.”

Josie snorted. “What a promotion. Skipped right over prince to supreme leader.”

“I won’t be using that title. I prefer chancellor. It’s more sophisticated.”

Kane embraced him. “It’s an honor and a privilege to call you my friend.”

Dan turned to me next. “One last hug for the road?”

I folded into his arms. “Dandelion, you will be missed.”

“As will you. I’ll think of you every time I crack open a beer.”

My laugh was muffled against his shirt. “I’m not sure that’s the association I want you to have.”

“Come on, break it up,” Josie said. “My turn.”

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