Page 77 of Blood of Night (The Thorne Hill)

“I completely agree. And I’ll help destroy them. Once Lucas isn’t a Horseman anymore, that is.” My lips part again but I’m at a loss for words. “I can’t believe you’ll help. I don’t know how to thank you.”

“This is no easy undertaking, and I would like something in return.”

“Of course. Anything.”

“Join me in matrimony.”

Did he just say what I think he said? No, no way. But he did, didn’t he? “I’m sorry. I must have misheard you because I thought you just said you wanted me to marry you.”

“I did say that. And I do.”

“T-that doesn’t make any sense,” I stammer, quickly shaking my head back and forth. “I’m already married and think it’s pretty damn obvious how much I love my husband since I’m willing to stay in Hell for him.”

“I’m not asking you to stop loving your vampire or even to give him up. I’m asking for you to form a partnership with me that would be mutually beneficial to the both of us.”

“How?” I say, unable to form another coherent question at the moment.

“Throughout time, gods and goddesses rise and fall. I want you by my side as my wife as you rise, Callista Morningstar.”

“Lucifer isn’t my father,” I correct and then mentally wince. Was that a test to try and figure out my lineage?

“Too bad. Callista Morningstar has a nice ring to it.” Dammit, it does. “And I can offer you protection.”

“I don’t need you to protect me,” I snap without even thinking about what hecouldoffer. “And I’m not a goddess. I’m a nephilim.”

His lips curve into a smile. “You can withstand hellfire from two realms and were able to come through a portal made for someone else.”

“Yeah, I’m pretty cool in that sense, but I’m gonna have to say no. Just in the last year, I’ve had enough of men trying to use me in some way to gain power.”

“My intention is not to use you,” he goes on. “Or take advantage of you. Think of this strategically.” He steps closer. “Nephilim are not permitted to live. You’ve spent your whole life hiding, haven’t you?”

“I have,” I admit. “Even when I didn’t know I was hiding.”

“As my wife, the other angels wouldn’t dare go after you. And your enemies become mine.” He locks eyes with me, not having to say it for me to know he would fight right alongside me. He knows I can’t take on Paimon alone. And with his help, I think we have a standing chance at cutting that motherfucker down. “Everything in my realm would be under your command,” he goes on. “And you’re able to come and go from this world back to yours. As long as the vessel holds, your vampire will remain cut off from the demon yet will retain the ability to day walk. Think about being able to go out in the sun with your daughter and her father.”

He’s dangling the carrot right in front of me, making an arranged marriage sound ideal and compromising, but I know better. Still…he made some very valid points. I’d have Lucas back and he’d be able to go out in the sun. He wouldn’t have to miss out on anything with the family and won’t have to hide in the hotel room, waiting out the sun on our first family trip to Disney World. And I could relax, knowing I’ve gained several powerful allies. I really wouldn’t have to worry about the archangels as much as I do. If I’m married to the God of the Underworld, I wouldn’t take over Hell. Swallowing hard, my heart pounds in my chest.

It seems no matter what I do, I’m damned to be the Queen of Hell. But this time, I have to decide which realm I want to rule.

ChapterThirty-Two

Iclose my eyes at the last minute as the sand swirls around us. Lucas is wrapped in my arms, and the spell Osiris cast on him should wear off as soon get back to earth. When our feet hit the grass, Lucas snaps out of the trance and grabs me protectively, pulling me to him as he flashes his fangs.

“Callie?” He grips me and looks around. “What the fuck just happened?”

“I bought us more time.”

“What did you do?”

I swallow hard and force a smile. “I cast a few protection spells around the Osiris’s containments. It will hold for a while longer. And remember that vessel I helped repair? Well, I suggested we put the spirit of Famine in it so you can stay here longer.”

“And Osiris agreed?”

“Yeah,” I say and hate myself for lying, though hedidagree. Just with terms. “Turns out he’s one cool dude. I just have to go find the thing now. You don’t happen to remember if Julian or my dad took it, do you?”

“Your father did.”

“Oh, great. Okay.” I let out a nervous laugh and take Lucas’s hands. “I need it, so, uh, Dad?” I close my eyes and do my best to pray to my father. I stand perfectly still, waiting for him to answer. He doesn’t.

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