Page 150 of Lucifer's Redemption

“What do you need, little goddess?” Ares smirked as my straw tried to suck up the last bit of my drink. The loud slurping noise echoed when the music paused between songs. Slow music played, and the warmth in Mariah’s eyes had me smiling.

Hades grabbed my arm with his enormous hands and pulled me to his side, about to scold me. Before he got a word out, I blurted, “So, when is the baby coming?” I slurred.

Ares and Mariah’s faces fell, looking at each other.

“It takes time sweetheart.” Mariah brushed a hair away from my face. Ares looked to his mate, his forehead touching hers.

“It has to be soon, though, right? Because that light coming from your stomach is a lot brighter now.” My hand rotated to touch her stomach, feeling the warmth it protruded and even the baby’s tiny heartbeat.

“Thump, thump, thump…” I muttered, swaying.

“What do you mean, little goddess?” Ares pulled away, his hand touching Mariah’s stomach.

“There’s a cute wittle baby in theressss,” I cooed, putting my ear up to her stomach. “I saw it before I sucked all the icky stuff out of Kronos. That’s when I knew I had to save all of you. That innocent little baby gave me courage.”

Hades pulled me away. “Bunny, you’re drunk,” he whispered before looking up at his uncle. “I’m sorry, Ares.” Luci’s look of disappointment in me had my stomach churn.

“No!” I ripped my arm away. “Thereisa baby! In her tummy!” I pulled Ares down to my level, forcing his ear to her stomach. He sighed, gripping ahold of Mariah’s hips.

I swear I saw a tear.Whether it was one of happiness or sadness, I wasn’t sure, but Ares’ eyes sure did light up.

He heard it.

“No way,” he whispered. Mariah tried to pull Ares up by his shoulders, but he just lifted her up with his ear still plastered to his stomach. “Baby, you’re pregnant!” he boomed.

“That’s what I’ve been saying!” I yelled over the music. The crowd stopped, looking over at the God of War holding his mate up in the air.

His face turned, kissing her stomach. “We’re pregnant!” Ares roared again, twirling Mariah around the dance floor.

She was crying.

I felt bad.

Wait, she was crying? I thought she wanted to be pregnant?

The crowd roared with applause, many laughing and taking drinks. “I’ll drink to dat!” I held up my drink only for Luci to take it away.

“You have caused enough trouble,” he whispered in my ear, pulling me away.

“But sir, I’m not done.” I giggled again, trying to give him the best fluttery lashes.

He liked that the most—the whole innocent look. Even though I was beyond innocent in the mating department, I like to think I still had that power over him.

“Uriel, what’s going on?” Mom’s glide through the dance floor was elegant and full of purpose. Dad’s wings were so large that the crowd had to part for the both of them. “Is it true that Mariah is pregnant?”

I nodded frantically, waving my hands around. “Yeah!” I wobbled and fell right into Luci’s arms. “And I bet you aren’t far off yourself!” I did an over-exaggerated wink. Mom’s eyes of horror only made me giggle some more.

“Hey Luci,” I clung to his white dress shirt. Holding me up by my elbows, he eyed me warily. “Is your dad the muffin man?” I snorted, trying to keep the joke to myself until just the right moment.

“Uh, no?”

“Are you sure? Because you sure give me the banana cream filling!”

Mom’s eyes rolled back in her head. Her beautiful wheat-colored hair now turning stark white. I was sure it was in laughter until she fell asleep, and Dad caught her.

“Wow. She must be tired,” I mused, tilting my head.

Dad stood there with his mouth gaping, but all I did was cackle in laughter. Even Luci started snickering, pulling me away from my parents. Somewhere between the scuffle, my cup fell to the floor. I whined to go back, but Luci continued to carry me away.

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