Page 146 of Lucifer's Redemption

What would have happened if we didn’t mate before then? What would have become of my bunny?

I threw the thoughts away harshly, not daring to contemplate what it felt like to lose someone you were so deeply in love with. In the most vulnerable moments, when I held Uriel’s fading body in my arms, when she almost met the stars, something changed in me. As much of a possessive bastard as I was already, it had increased tenfold since that day. Uriel saw it as a new life, a new hope, not just for us but for the entire Celestial Kingdom.

The urge for destruction still ravaged my soul, but when near my mate, she calmed the stormy seas of my aching heart. She was my drug, and I didn’t care who knew it. Despite my possessiveness over her, I did leave her for one hour to talk with my brother. Loki and I had many issues to work out as brothers, and I wanted them settled before I took my mate on the ultimate adventure of her life.

Uriel had confided in me how much she wanted to travel the worlds, to know everything about them, discover every land and sea. I was going to give it all to her—showing her the humans of Earth, the forests of Bergarian, even deep down into the depths of Atlantis she loved so much.

Uriel’s eyes fluttered as she let go of the King and Queen of Atlantis’ children and turned her gaze back to me. They ran to their seats as Uriel slowly put her arms in the crook of her parents’ arms. She was dressed in a beautiful tea-length dress, the beautiful white fabric in contrast to her ebony hair. Her golden eyes glittered in the sun as the rays warmed her skin.

I smiled, and that smile was only for her as many hushed whispers in the crowd awed at my emotion.Urielwasmy emotion; the only emotion that I dared to crave for the rest of my life.

Uriel’s steps faltered as she stared at me, surely not understanding the attire I chose to wear. Black was my signature color and now I faced her with a white shirt and light-colored pants. I wanted her to see that she had not only healed the sin from those around her but me as well. Pulling my calloused hand from my pocket, it reached out to her. Her parents nudged her to walk to the slow thrumming rhythm of the harps playing music along the side of the crowd.

As she took her small, timid steps, I smiled brighter, watching her wings unfold behind her back. Her nerves radiated within my soul as she finally reached the make-shift altar my mother prepared.

“We’ve come to give you our blessing,” Michael spoke loudly for all to hear, “for taking our daughter as your mate.” It was very well known that I would have taken Uriel without their permission—because I already had—but the formalities of the gods showing interest in our mating humbled my heart further. I was honored that they would want to witness our union.

Extending my hand to Uriel as her warm hand slid into my own, I guided her to the platform. Pulling her waist closer to me, I kissed her forehead. The whisps never left Uriel as they hovered over us while we stood before my mother, the officiant.

“You look beautiful,” I whispered.

That was a lie. She looked damn fucking radiant beside me.

“Greetings and welcome to all who appear here today.” Never being fond of public speaking, Mother squirmed behind the small table placed before us as she held up the Sphere of Souls. The deep navy sphere hovered over her hands with small swirls of white smoke orbiting just above its surface; some moving fast, while others moved slowly.

“Two souls in the Sphere are now missing.” she smiled at me, softening her eyes. “The Goddess of Innocence and Grace, Uriel, and the God of Destruction, Lucifer, have now joined their souls together, making the perfect match.”

Father’s lip curled as he gazed upon Mother’s ethereal radiance. Lilith, still clutching to Father, pulled on his beard cooing at him. Mother continued with the ceremony, describing how soulmates came to be, how Selene blessed first the werewolves with mates, then other supernatural, until eventually, the Gods were granted the same gift.

Uriel clung to every single word that left my mother’s lips, but my full attention was on my mate. The beautiful tendrils of hair swept her face, the small freckles that danced on her skin as the light sources peppered her with kisses.

She was all mine.

The sphere finally rested upon the deep purple pillow before us. Mother waved her hands until I pulled Uriel close to me. Uriel leaned into me, the pink tint of her cheeks glowing into my dark eyes.

“You’re officially mine now,” I whispered as Mother continued with the ceremony.

“I thought I was always yours?” She titled her head. “Ever since we mated—”

I hushed her lips with my hungry mouth. Pushing her back, holding on to her lower back, I forced my soul into her in front of the crowd. Rounds of applause roared through the crowd as Uriel clutched the front of my shirt.

Loki flew overhead in the form of his raven, casting a dark shadow that passed over the crowd. Uriel mentioned the idea of having birds fly overhead during our searing kiss. As fucking cheesy as it was, with the help of my brother, we arranged something better—the birds of Hell.

Dozens of Phoenixes took to the air overhead with their flaming tails of fire exploding, scorching the sky. Feathers dropped from their wings and tails, only to ignite and fizzle out just before hitting the crowd, dusting the crowd with ash as white as snow.

Breaking away from the kiss, Uriel’s eyes widened as the ash floated down around us. “It’s so pretty,” she whispered, holding out her hand for the ash to collect in her hand.

The phoenix only reminded me of my love for my mate: the fiery passion we had for each other, the explosion of the pain of almost losing her only to find her as pure as the first rains that descended on the worlds. We had started anew, and this time I would be sure to cherish every moment.

Tracing my finger across her cheek, her head turned back to me. The pink lips I assaulted with my teeth curved into a breathtaking smile. As I ran my finger across her lip, she surprised me by sucking on one of my fingers. I groaned as she twirled her tongue around my finger.

She has more of me in her than I realized.

“Better watch it, bunny,” I growled. “There are many people around us. I’d hate to embarrass you.”

Uriel snickered, kissing my cheek. “I dare you.” She nudged me.

Grinning wickedly at her, I pulled her playfully to my chest as the crowd dispersed. My finger trailed up her dress only to be interrupted by her parents. Groaning in displeasure, I looked to Hera who stood there glaring with her arms crossed.

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