Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 144404 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 722(@200wpm)___ 578(@250wpm)___ 481(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 144404 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 722(@200wpm)___ 578(@250wpm)___ 481(@300wpm)
“Or angelic,” Eddie corrected. “The angel wouldn’t even have to be royal.”
“Of course, though, we don’t have a lot of angels requesting an audience. Honestly, it can be a bit much for certain types of demons. Our lesser servants would likely fall dead if they found themselves in the presence of the whole of Lucifer’s being, and that would cause a mess. A terrible mess, and then chaos because I would assign cleaning duties to higher-ups and they would take such offense.” Tix shuddered as though he could think of nothing worse. “Anyway, to avoid such a terrible scenario, Lucifer sends aspects of himself. To answer your question, my lord, we are dealing with the imp.”
A long sigh of pure relief came from my husband’s lips. “Then he wants to negotiate. Baby, we’re dealing with a part of Lucifer that loves to tease. He can be quite charming, and he’ll likely talk about your breasts.”
I could feel Trent stiffen behind me. “Perhaps I should come.”
“Go to the kitchens, you jealous wolf,” Gray said with a frown. “I assure you I won’t allow Lucifer to run away with our wife. But he will use your possessive nature against us. I know you don’t like it but sending this aspect means he’s playing things with caution, and I might actually get good information out of him.”
I turned to Trent and could see he was conflicted. Trent would be our vulnerable spot. I wished I could go to the kitchens and leave this all to Gray, but I’d been told it would be rude for Lady Sloane to not make an appearance. “Please take care of Fenrir and the kids. I don’t want them around him. Casey will watch Liv.”
Trent leaned over, brushing his lips against mine. “All right. Be careful.”
I heard a raucous laugh from the great hall and wondered who was already in there. Trent went to the stairs, heading up to where the kids were staying.
“I’m sorry, my lady. I did not realize you wanted to visit with Lucifer in private,” Tix said. “The vampire was already in the great hall when I realized Lucifer was there.”
“Casey?” Please let it be Casey. Please let it be Casey.
“The king’s son.” Tix confirmed my worst fears. “I believe the academic has the witch out in the gardens. She seemed upset about something.”
I couldn’t think about Liv right now. Lee was hanging with Lucifer, and that was not what I’d promised his mom. We’d thought he could get in trouble in Faery. Good goddess, what was happening?
I shoved through the big doors and practically launched myself into the dining hall.
To my abject horror, Lee sat right next to the Lord of Hell, leaning over like they were the best of friends and having a lovely time.
“And then I left the merking standing there with his dick in hand, and that’s how the merpeople’s civil war started,” Lee said.
A stunning, dark-haired man threw his head back and laughed. His hand came out, slapping Lee on the shoulder. “Oh, that is delicious. I don’t tend to keep up with the outer planes. They seem very lively.” He looked up, and his eyes lit on me. He held up a golden goblet. “Lady Sloane. My, you are looking lovely this morning. I’m sure all that double penetration is responsible for your rosy glow.”
Well, I was probably rosy now. “Hey…”
Gray caught up, wrapping an arm around me. “She is beautiful, and she is also with child, as you surely know, my lord. I’m certain that is why she glows with life.”
“Yes, the child is strong and growing.” Lucifer stood. “It’s good to see you here, Grayson. You look comfortable. I’m afraid I’m only truly acquainted with your dark prophet aspect, and he can be on the dry and boring side. Unlike this lad here. How have you not introduced us, Grayson? He’s a remarkable young man.”
Lee shrugged and sat back as though to say “well, of course I am.” He sent a wink my way.
Someone should have spanked him more as a child, and that someone was my husband. I was having such a talk with Trent.
Did Lucifer know who he was? My anxiety went through the roof, and I actually got a little light-headed.
Lucifer was at my side in an instant, his hand gripping mine as the other went to my back, as though he worried I would fall over. “Lady Sloane, there is nothing to worry yourself about. I was enjoying my time with Prince Lee. Poor dear. Sloane, she’s shaking. What stories have you been telling about me?”
“I think the history of the world and all of religion teaches her to be afraid of you.” Gray’s tone had taken on an unemotional bent, as though he couldn’t really care less.
I needed to be the same, but it was hard. I wasn’t used to having the feelings I had, much less ignoring them. The whole kids-are-in-danger thing freaked me out, and it didn’t matter that Lee wasn’t a kid. Or human. He was a flipping vampire king who could daywalk from the moment he rose, but I wanted to stand between him and the Lord of Hell.