Page 11 of Eternal Sacrifice
“I just…” I sighed, ultimately deciding there wasn’t a point in trying to make sense of Hell.
“She brings up a good point.” It looked like an idea struck Lucifer, and he started jogging down the stairs. “We should brainstorm.” As soon as he reached the bottom step, Lucifer looked around as if listening to a choir of voices, despite the absolute silence in the throne room.
“Now, where was I?” Lucifer asked, pacing the floor while attempting to remember. “Oh yes. A hunt in celebration for the return of my favorites.”
I opened my mouth to remind him.
Justice leaned over and whispered, “Best to let it go, Fox. Not your monkey or your banana.”
I nodded, relaxing as he sent waves of calming energy toward me. It felt like I could breathe easier as I leaned into his side. At the same time, Lucifer paraded around the room, going from table to table.
“Reset the scores and announce it to the common demons.” Lucifer wasn’t talking to anyone in particular. He turned and returned up the steps to lounge on his throne again, waving his hand in dismissal.
Justice’s arm wrapped around my waist as I turned to leave, shaking my head. There wasn’t any point in trying to understand Hell, or Lucifer, for that matter.
On our way toward the doors, Beelzebub stood. His feet echoed loudly in the silent room as he approached. “Now that you’ve returned,” he said, keeping his tone neutral, “I really need to speak with you.”
“Fine,” Jax said, brandishing the flat tone of his voice. A lasting scar on his celestial soul; caused by his father’s hands. Tattoos covered the thin silver gash across his throat, but he lifted his chin as if displaying the wound while his rune-covered arms crossed over his chest. “Let’s go.”
Jax moved toward his father, and we stepped forward with him.
Where one of us went, so did the others. We wouldn’t be separated again. Jax led behind his father as we left the throne room, searching for a place without as many loose lips and straining ears.
“We could take him to the dungeon. I bet I could get some answers out of him,” Justice said, and I could feel enthusiasm rolling off him.
And I didn’t miss the slight taste of amusement that wafted from Jax.
“If you must, I understand,” Beelzebub said over his shoulder.
Jax reached out and grabbed the collar of his father’s shirt and yanked him back before pushing him against the wall. Jax crowded into his space, fisting the front of his father’s shirt to hold him in place. Just barely not touching.
“You don’t get to be the victim.”
“No,” Beelzebub breathed, looking down at the white knuckles of Jax’s grip. “No, I don’t. I know what my hands did to you.”
Jax released his father as if burned, taking a few steps back before running his fingers through his ink-black hair. His chest heaved with each deep breath, and my vampire senses could hear the fast whooshing of his heart.
“This is good enough. Say what you need to say and then crawl back into the depths of Hell where you belong.” Jax said through gritted teeth.
Beelzebub remained against the wall, his mouth pressed into a thin line. “I’m sure you’ve noticed Marlene’s absence.”
“It wasn’t surprising, considering we killed her,” Jax said. “On our wedding night. I’m sure you could have put that timeline together on your own. Were you just looking for confirmation, Father?”
“The best wedding presents are always murder,” Justice added, nodding as if agreeing with someone.
Jace considered Justice’s comment before ultimately nodding in agreement.
“Oh.” Beelzebub’s face fell. “I was hoping that you had merely locked her away somewhere. I have been planning her murder for centuries.”
No one’s emotions felt steady as I sorted through them, searching for Beelzebub’s intentions. Hints of anger and disappointment floated from him, but it wasn’t enough to be sure he was being truthful. I looked at Justice, but he shook his head and shrugged.
“If Aggie ever perfects the necromancy spell, I’ll be sure to let you get a turn,” Jax said dryly. “I think we’re done here.”
Jax turned his back. And that was when Beelzebub chose to move. He reached forward, clapping his hand against Jax’s shoulder.
Collectively, we moved forward like an unstoppable wall. One that was impossibly stopped the moment Jax’s voice sounded in my head, “Wait.”
By the way, Jace, Justice, and Jasper halted. I knew they had received the same message. White hot rage boiled inside me, thinly contained by my shielding cover of calm. But it was hard to focus on not being pissed when Jasper emanated waves of war into the small hallway.
