Page 40 of Tainted Hearts

“The whole holiday stuff is new to me,” I tell her as we lean against Zed’s car. “We don’t celebrate Christmas in Hell, as you know. The Dark Night community celebrates it like the people do on TV with the tree, presents, and decorations, while the Pure Bloods celebrate it more toward God’s birthday. Luke and Noah said they just hang out at home and are forced to go to fancy events by their dads and my mom.”

“I’m excited that we get to do it like it’s done on TV.” She gives me a child-like smile that has my heart beating a bit faster.

The more time I spend with Frankie, the more confused I get. I’ve always been attracted to women, I like boobs and butts, what can I say? But I’ve never blushed, or felt like butterflies were dancing around in my belly when one looked at me.

Do I like Frankie? Like, have a crush on her? Fuck, the more I think about her, the more I think I do.It’s wrong right?To like someone else when I already have five mates? Would they be pissed if I had a thing for someone who wasn’t my mate?

Before coming up here, I wouldn’t have cared. It’s a part of Hell’s customs to be with whoever you want, as many people as you want—mates or not.

But I’m still getting to know my mates, whom I just found out about and working past the hurt one has caused me. I shouldn’t be thinking about anyone else but the guys.

Yet, as she looks at me with her bright red eyes, the tilt of her smile, the way she licks her lips as she talks to me, I realize I’m fucked.

“Abby?” Frankie asks, amusement in her voice.

“Sorry, what?” I ask, looking away. “Got lost in my own mind for a moment.”

“I asked if Zed is doing anything for Christmas?”

“Oh. Ah, yeah. I think so. He mentioned something about his mom doing a big dinner and inviting everyone on Christmas Day. I’m thinking of inviting my dad.” I look at her with a big smile.

“No way.” she bursts out laughing. “You think he’ll come?”

“Maybe.” I shrug. “He is my dad, after all.” I lean in closer, like I’m going to tell her something top secret, but I guess in a way it should be treated like that. “My dad might be the king of Hell, but when it comes to me, he’s a big teddy bear.” I wink.

Her smile grows just as big as mine. “You know what, I could believe that. The man on his own scares me enough to piss myself, but with you? Yeah, he would burn the whole world, all the worlds, down for you.”

A warm feeling settles over me. My mom might not have been a mom to me at all, but my dad... he’s been there for me since day one. That’s right, the devil changed dirty diapers, sang lullabies, and had tea parties when I got older.

He’s an amazing dad, and I’m glad he’s mine. “I’m going to invite him. Zed’s mom said Christmas is about family, so...”

“Couldn’t hurt.”

“I said fuck off!” Zed’s booming voice comes from inside.

Frankie and I give each otherwhat the fucklooks before pushing off the car and heading into the shop.

“Grow the fuck up, Zed.” My stomach drops when I see his ex standing there before him. “If this is about me fucking your brother, I didn’t know.”

“I couldn’t care less whose dick you let inside you.” He steps up to Tilly. “We are over. I have a mate. And it’s not you. And if you don’t leave me the hell alone, I’ll tell her that you’ve been bothering me and let her loose on your ass.”

“Sounds like you're keeping secrets, Zed. Why haven’t you told her I’ve been coming by? Is it because you like it when I bring you coffee? When I show up dressed like this, watching you work on cars? How does she like the fact that I fucked both of her mates? Hope she’s enjoying my sloppy seconds.”

I feel sick, and I hate that tears fill my eyes. He’s been keeping this from me. How long has this been going on? I thought he would never lie to me. Not Zed.

“Yeah, Zed,” I spit his name out as I step forward. His eyes snap over to mine. He goes pale, horror filling his stunning blue eyes.

“Abby, it’s not what it looks like.”

“Don’t listen to him, Abby. It’s exactly what it looks like,” she purrs, putting her hand on my mate.

Yeah, fuck this shit.

Zed goes to remove her arm, but I’m faster. My hand grips hers in a punishing hold as fire envelopes my hand. “Touch my fucking mate again, and I will kill you. You will go straight to Hell and I’ll follow after. Then I will enjoy the fuck out of torturing you however I please. You're here bragging about fucking my mates, but do you know what that makes you sound like? A whore, because all you’ve ever been was a warm hole to fuck. Me? I’m their fucking Queen!”

“Please,” she sobs. “It hurts, my hand!”

“Your hand is the least of your worries. I mean it, stay away from Zed, from Isaac. There won't be a next time.”

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