Page 18 of Undesirable
A bark of laughter burst from Lucifer. It was the most Celeste response he had ever heard.
“I miss you.”
Her confession had the laughter dying in his throat. She didn’t stop.
“I know you can’t see it. It’s easier to hate me. But I’ve always done everything I can to protect you. You can’t know the relief I felt when I realized Riku is your other half.”
There she went. Celeste always claimed the knowledge just came to her—like visions. Her pairings weren’t always strategic. Personally, he thought she was just so damn good at her job that it was mostly subconscious now. She cast a loving glance Odin’s way. “You know me, I just know.”
Lucifer nearly sighed in relief. It seemed Odin was hers. After all these lifetimes, a god pairing had revealed itself. They wouldn’t bedestroying worlds.
Her shoulders squared. “I can’t stay, but I’m kind of glad for Jörmungandr’s tantrum over your mating. It let me see you. I still don’t know how he found out about you claiming Riku, but he likely had some system for when his weapon was engaged.” She smiled. “I knew Frost would save you.”
Fuck. She really did always have a plan that was a hundred steps ahead of everyone else, even for the brother she knew was a monster.
Celeste kissed his cheek. “I love you.”
She didn’t wait for a response. Her fingers linked with Odin’s and she was gone.
Lucifer stared at nothing, trying his damnedest to feel nothing. “I love youtoo.” His chest hurt. It felt like he was dying. It took him a second to realize it was because he had sealed Riku in Hell. His other half was behind a veil. That was the pain he felt. That was what he had to tell himself. It was time to leave this place behind and let Celeste handle her realm. Lucifer was tired. He just wanted back the normal Riku had brought into his life.
Chapter Seven
Theragewasmassive.His fear was even bigger. Riku was the only thing that could kill Lucifer, and he just might. No matter how hard they pushed against the mirror, it wouldn’t budge. When they finally gave up, they all stood with their hands on their hips looking equal amounts of angry. It was possibly for different reasons, though. Riku couldn’t imagine Frost, Gemini, or Yuri were too happy about finding themselves trapped in Hell.
“This used to be a quiet town. There weren’t any gods showing up, dangling people over fires.”
At Gemini’s enraged words, Frost’s shoulders fell. “I know. Your life was fine before me. I’m sorry.”
Gemini growled. It sounded very large cat-like. “It isn’t you. You’re the only reason I stay. You didn’t choose this healer position.”
Riku couldn’t breathe. Truth be told, he was the reason they were here. He could have chosen any town to rest. Riku could have kept his distance from the people. Everything he did felt like one big fuck-up. He’d put these peoplein danger.
Lucifer’s arms encircled him from behind. No one noticed. They were too busy staring at the mirror. Riku didn’t startle. He had smelled him the moment he appeared. His heart had known its other half had arrived.
Frost spun, as if he too felt Lucifer’s presence. He opened his mouth, as if to blast him.
Brownie beat him to the punch. He turned human. “How fucking dare you lock me away? It’s my job to protect you. You insult my abilities. It’s my job,” he repeated, sounding like the demon dog he was.
Lucifer didn’t feel guilty. It was all there in his mind. He had known none of them stood achance against a god.
Still, he placated him. “I needed you here to protect my mate. He’s my weak spot and my enemies will always know it. You did your job. You protected my back.”
Brownie sniffed. He seemed somewhat appeased. “Okay. I know you didn’t have time to say that. He’s too important.”
Riku bit back a smile. Now wasn’t the time.
Thankfully, Lucifer kept the focus on himself. “You should be safe to go home now. Celeste took care of things. You’re, unfortunately, down a guard now, Frost. But I’m sure my sister will have him back in no time… hopefully in one piece.”
“What? Who?”
“Fen.”
“Oh.” Frost didn’t look as upset as Riku would’ve thought. Then he remembered Fen had been one of the vampires that had been used against Wulfe’s pack leader when his relationship went south. Riku would keep it to himself that he had been the one to suggest Audor take Fen on a date. Oops. He genuinely hoped the guy was okay. Riku felt certain Jörmungandr wouldn’t challenge Celeste by actually killing one of her creations. He was childish and spoiled, but he wasn’t stupid.
Frost made a helpless motion. “Thank you for coming when I called. I wasn’t sure if you’d hear me, but I didn’t know what else to do.”
Lucifer’s affection for Frost rolled off him in waves. Riku tried not to be jealous. Lucifer deserved at least one real friend. He had been denied that for too long.
