Page 97 of Lucifer's Redemption

Mariah sighed heavily. “Nothing gets by you, does it, Baby?” Ares chuckled.

“Nothing.” He growled, squeezing her close.

Both sat in silence for the longest time as I lay there watching. I wasn’t sure if they could talk to each other through a mind-link, but the silence was deafening. Looking at my hand, it glowed as I felt the warmth.

“Ares,” I muttered, still laying on the bed, “why do you not feel worthy?” Mariah’s head jerked back to Ares so fast, that the wind in the room shifted.

“W-what?” He choked back a laugh.

“You don’t feel worthy to be a father,” I muttered again. “You feel that you will not be good enough; you feel inadequate to be one. Your mind is holding you back.” I whispered.

Ares’ head hit the headboard. Closing his eyes as he gripped Mariah’s waist tighter.

“Don’t lie,” I whispered, smiling at Mariah. Mariah’s wet lashes fluttered again, realizing what was happening.

“Why would you feel that way, my love?” Mariah’s fingers traced his jaw. “You are my strong mate, my love. With our love, we would create beautiful children. You would protect us, see our children grow, and teach them so many wonderful things,” Mariah cooed.

“I am not smart, not like Hades.” He whispered like it was a prayer. “I am not worthy. I’ve slaughtered, fucked up. and made terrible decisions in my life. How am I to raise a child? As much as I want one, I am just me.” Mariah shook her head.

“You have me. That was a good decision, right?” Mariah leaned in, her nose nuzzling his neck.

“Of course, it was an excellent decision, but we both know I am unworthy of you.”

“You are worthy,” Mariah snapped. “You waited to mark your mate, me! Since then, you have been the most upstanding god. Look at Zeus! He’s seriously fucked up, and you have turned out so much better than him!” Mariah laughed. Ares couldn’t help but laugh along with her.

“See, baby? You waited for me, you marked me as your mate, and you have helped Hades through his dark times. Your humor has made the palace a lighter place. Together, we will raise our children and I pray to the Fates that they turn out just like you.”

“Mariah,” his voice grumbled. His arms surrounded her, peppering kisses on her neck, “you are too good to me.” Ares shoved his tongue down Mariah’s throat. It was all I could do not to gag.

“We are good for each other, my big, powerful warrior. I just wish you could see that.” Ares pulled Mariah around his waist, causing a big problem to pop up.

Gracious.

I sniffed, breaking them from their trance.

They had a long way to go before babies would come into the picture with all the pent-up tension Ares had. Who knew that the God of War had self-confidence issues? I’m glad that they both could work on it together now.

“I’m… gonna go…” I muttered awkwardly, sliding off the furs.

As soon as my feet hit the floor, Luci picked me up and slung me over his shoulder.

Chapter 40

Lucifer

Notonedamnmomentof peace. Hera had another thing coming. She was playing with her daughter’s emotional strings, pulling her up and down like a damned yo-yo, and I was damn near sick of it.

‘You can’t be with him,’she says.

‘He isn’t good for you. I’m trying to save you.’She blubbers.

‘Oh, never mind, I thought about it. Now I will let him be your mate, and I’ll even bless you on top of it.’

Lies. All of it.

Could Uriel not see the endless string of lies? Could she not feel them in her dream? It was possible; she was still growing, and she didn’t fully understand her emerging powers yet. Remnants of the poison, which her own mother gave her, still lingered in her body.

Standing outside the bedroom door, I waited until I heard the water from our shower turn on.

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