Page 99 of Thanatos' Craving

Hades’ breath came in harsh pants and Ember stood on her toes to wipe away the sweat from his brow.

“I’m sorry. I–I don’t know what came over me,” Hades said with a frown.

Ember smiled softly, patting his cheek. “It’s alright. I was upset too. You haven’t lost your cool like that in a long time. I’m just glad it’s over. Maybe we need to work out some frustration, huh?”

Hades wrapped his arms around Ember and buried his face into her shoulder.

“And we can still question him,” Ember said as she rubbed Hades’ back. “Hades will respawn him from the pool. It might take some time for him to calm down, though.”

“We don’t have time,” I snapped, waving my scythe in the air. "The next auction is soon, and I can only rely on my demons and reapers to do so much in making sure the innocent are protected," I snapped, waving my scythe in the air. “Unless I buy Fuzzie Bunnies out.” I turned to Hypnos for confirmation.

“That could work.” Hypnos nodded. “I can send out a message for you.”

Hades shook his head. “No, that would look suspicious. New buyers buying up the lot? And we don’t know the owner or if they will even be present. We will lose the trail.”

“Then what else do you want me to do? We have a week and a half and no closer to finding the owner. I’m not having those women bought out!” My mate would be heartbroken.

My shadows danced and flickered, their movements quick and erratic. The overwhelming surge of anger and fury threatened to consume me entirely. I yearned for Juniper’s presence, the touch of her hand, the warmth of her embrace. With determined steps, I marched to the opposite side of the room, my footsteps echoing off the walls. Carefully, I reached out and retrieved my precious treasure from Hypnos’ grasp. A smile crept across his face as I cradled her in my arms, and I inhaled deeply, savoring the intoxicating aroma that enveloped me.

Damn, it was fucking calming.

“Did someone order an angel?” A sly voice came from the other side of the office.

Hermes stood tall, his arms tightly crossed, while a female angel, presumably Simone, stood beside him. The angel’s delicate wings were encased in white nylon, just like her bound hands and arms. A hushed silence enveloped the scene, broken only by the faint rustling of the nylon and the muffled sound of Simone’s futile attempts to speak through the rope keeping her from speaking. Her face contorted into a scowl, her eyes filled with frustration, while her nails fiercely clawed at the restraints around her wrists.

“Hermes!” Ares shouted, lunging toward the Messenger God. He opens his arms wide, and Ares picks him up into an enormous hug. “Where the hell have you been? I haven’t seen you in ages!”

Hermes chuckled. “Well, I’ve got my family to take care of. Besides, being the neutral god, I can’t just hang out in the Underworld all the time, I have to split my time. Next few hundred years I need to spend in the Celestial Kingdom. Believe me, my mate isn't thrilled about all that damn sunshine.” Helaughed. “But currently, I’m a fucking taxi right now.” He glares at Hades.

“Thanks, old friend.” Hades walked forward to shake Hermes’ hand. “I appreciate you bringing her here. Where did you find her?”

Hermes frowned. “On earth, dressed as a human looking in some woman’s window. I didn’t know angels were into peeping Tom business, but I guess they are.” Hermes’ lip curled into disgust.

Simone rolled her eyes and shuffled away from him.

My grip tightened on Juniper, her head lolling from side to side. She was waking up, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted her to or not. She was tired this morning, but I also know she wanted to be a part of this, to help find the rest of the women.

Hermes and Hades spoke for a moment longer before he disappeared, while I was left alone with my thoughts. The rest of the room stared at the angel, who only glared back, like she was the victim.

I guessed she didn’t believe she was in the wrong either, just as the demon, and I damn hoped Hades didn’t have another meltdown. At least I’d remained under control.

Somewhat.

Once Hermes was gone, Hades ripped the rope that was tied around Simone’s mouth. She spat on the floor and continued to wrestle with the rope wrapped around her. “I demand to know why I am being held against my will!” She hissed. “And Hades, you are not in control of me. I am not part of your jurisdiction.”

Hades raised an eyebrow, and I stepped forward.

“He may not be,” I said. “But being the taker of souls, I move through all realms, and we have questions for you.”

Simone scoffed, “I don’t have to answer to you. To none of you. Zeus is the only one who I answer to! Zeus! Zeus! I call upon you for help!”

The whole room chuckled until laughter echoed off the walls. Zeus would not come, he never answered a prayer. Or, at least he hadn’t before. Hera took care of all his prayers, but since she mated with Michael the archangel, I wondered if he had taken up more responsibility.

I try to stay away from much gossip of the Celestial Realm.

However, to my surprise, the door to the study groaned and opened and revealed none other than Zeus. We all paused our laughter and stood there stunned.

“Zeus! You’re here!” Uriel cheered.

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