“Good. Now that you mention it, I feel energized.” And well fucked. She tried not to blush but knew she was a failure.
The corner of his mouth twitched. “I’m glad you’re feeling so…well.”
Crap. Had he heard her thoughts? Or felt her desire as she had his? She needed to learn how to shut off all this stuff or she’d become distracted at the wrong time. Dipping her fork, she scooped up some egg and shoved it into her mouth.
They ate in silence, and when finished, she offered to clean up.
“Don’t worry about it.” He waved his hand, and the entire mess vanished, leaving a sparkling kitchen that looked as though it had never been used.
“You never cease to amaze me with the stuff you can do?” She tried not to relive last night, but it proved difficult, especially when he sat across from her. His black hair disheveled from sleep. Scruff darkening his jaw. She remembered it tickling her thighs. She caught herself licking her lips as she stared at his chest and studied every ripped muscle.
“Sugar?”
“Huh?” She jolted from her thoughts. Oh shit! Did he notice me staring?
I not only noticed, but I can hear your thoughts and feel your desires. “If you need me, Ranata, you only have to tell me. Last night, I gave you the chance to say no. Nothing has changed since then. I understand this relationship is harder for you to accept than it is for me. I will wait for you to come to me should you choose to.”
She looked down at her plate for a moment, slightly embarrassed but only briefly. Lifting her head, she looked him in the eyes. “Thank you for allowing me the choice.”
Baal meant what he said. He would allow her to come to him if she desired, but he needed to get Ranata out of here and to the fae realm before he lost control. The damn bond was messing with his head, and he wasn’t referring to the one on his shoulders, either. His fucking cock had gone rigid the minute she’d entered the room. He hoped that by leaving Hell, he might find reprieve.
“You’re an idiot to think that,” Hades snapped in his ear.
“Mother fuck.” He spun to face the demon god. “Don’t you believe in knocking?”
Hades shrugged. “No. I see no reason for it. Besides, it’s not as if I caught you two going at it hot and heavy like newlyweds should be.” He winked then walked toward Ranata. “Ah. So, you’re Iris’s daughter. You’re a spitting image of your mother.”
“You knew her?”
Baal snorted. “Ranata, this is Hades.”
Her eyes widened. “Oh.”
“Not what you were expecting?” the demon god inquired.
“Umm…”
Hades waved his hand in dismissal. “Don’t worry, I’m used to humans believing I have red skin, horns and a tail.” He stepped in closer, and Baal found himself fisting his hands. He didn’t like another male being so close to his mate.
Deep breath, and remember, she doesn’t really belong to you. This is only for convenience.
“Though I could shift to that foul-looking creature you all seem to think I look like if it would suit you better,” Hades scoffed.
“No, no. I think you’re very handsome.”
Baal rolled his eyes. “Ranata, don’t feed his ego.”
Hades raised a black brow. “You should speak, demon.” He turned his attention back to Ranata. “Now, my dear.” He offered his arm. “Let me tell you about your mother. Would you like to see a picture of her?” Hades whisked her away before Baal could stop him.
“Well, fuck me!” He stormed from the room, realizing he followed his mate like a rutting male, and that darkened his mood further. When he finally caught up to them, Ranata sat on the throne to the right of Hades and stared at a photo he presumed was of her mother.
“She’s beautiful. I wish I could have known her.” A tear slid down her cheek and cut right through him. At that moment, he’d give anything to be able to reverse time and bring her mother back to her.
“Your mother loved you and your sister very much. It was why she hid you away.” Hades slumped into his seat. “And why she begged me to give you a mate.”
“I don’t understand. I mean…I get the part about my blood being a possible cure, but how does being with Baal have anything to do with this?” She refused to make eye contact with Baal. Instead, she stared at Hades.
“His loyalty is beyond measure.” He cast a glare at Baal. “Even when he questions my authority. His bravery borders on suicidal, especially when he goes nose-to-nose with Zarek, who happens to rule over all of us. You will encounter a lot of humans and immortals. Some will have your best interest at heart, while others will pretend to be loyal only to get what they want. Your mate will always be someone you can count on. He’ll also be a stabilizer for your power, helping to keep you balanced. Otherwise, the human side of you will become ill when you’re exposed to magic.”
Her eyes widened. “That explains why I got sick all of a sudden.”
“Yes.”
This time, she looked right at Baal. “But by forcing us together, you’ve taken away the one thing that means the most in a relationship.”
She’d just driven the knife deep and twisted.
Hades arched a dark brow then stared right at Baal. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that.”
Chapter Eleven
As she stared at the man to whom she was now forever bonded, sorrow filled her. He’d told her up front he could never give her his heart. At the time, she hadn’t cared too much, but now, it bothered her. Was it their bond? All she ever wanted was the love of her real mother. It had eaten at her. Granted, her adopted parents had given her everything they could, and they’d loved both her and Raven. Still, she had felt betrayed, and now those feelings were once again upon her.
“Love isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be, Ranata,” Baal said.
His words bit her like a sharp, freezing wind on exposed skin. She ignored him and turned back to Hades. “What next?”
“Now, I send the two of you to where your people are hiding. Hopefully, they can find a cure. The fae are needed in the war with Lowan.”
“Where the fuck is the Phoenix god? Shouldn’t he be awake by now and taking care of our problem?” Baal ground out.
Hades sighed. “These things take time, and we need all hands to fight until he awakens.”
“Who’s the Phoenix god?” Every time she turned around, there was something new to learn.
“Long story, but he’s the only one who can kill Lowan,” Baal stated.
“Uh, not exactly.”
They both turned to stare at Hades.
“What?” Baal’s jaw tightened.
“He can’t kill Lowan, either. You know…the whole god rule and how we’re not allowed to smite one of our own? However, his power will send Lowan back to confinement. Another is destined to kill him.”
A low rumble began, and Ranata looked to see where it came from. It didn’t take her long to discover it actually came from Baal. He stood erect, fists at his side and eyes blood red. She swore horns had emerged from the top of his head.
“I think you have some explaining to do.”
Hades jumped from his seat and stormed toward the demon. Suddenly, Ranata feared for Baal’s safety. “Please, no fighting. I’m sure there’s an explanation.” She had no clue what was going on, but a deep need to protect her mate surfaced.
The god towered over Baal. “Do not take that attitude with me. Is it my fault all of you misunderstood?”
“Son of a bitch. So, do you intend to spill?” Baal pushed out his chest and stepped in closer to Hades. Ranata chewed her nails.
“I can only tell you that there’s another who will be strong enough to kill Lowan. She only needs to be released from her prison and willing to plunge the dagger of Embara into his heart,” Hades replied.
“You bastard. We are nothing but pawns in your games.” Baal’s temple visibly throbbed. Ranata stepped closer, fearing one of them would strike the other down.
“Ha
des, who is this woman?” Ranata decided she was either brave as hell or stupid. She went with stupid because she didn’t feel a bit courageous at the moment.
Baal turned her way and scowled. “Ranata, you need to back the fuck away.”
It was her turn to flash a dirty look at him. “Don’t get snippy with me.”
“I’m done with both of you.” Hades waved his hand, and darkness surrounded her. The air was so black she couldn’t see her hand in front of her face.
“Baal?”
Several seconds ticked by with no reply, and she panicked until the veil around her suddenly parted to reveal a pale-blue sky with splashes of lavender and pink.
“That rotten bastard,” Baal growled beside her. “And what’s with this hot and cold shit from you?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Earlier you said you accepted this relationship and wanted to be friends. Then just a bit ago you mentioned love. I thought you understood I can never give you my heart. Ever.”
She pulled back her shoulders and pretended his statement didn’t bother her. “Look, I said we should be friends, and I meant it. Yes, it would be nice to have a marriage of love and happiness instead of the one being forced on us.” She shoved her hair out of her eyes. “We’ve performed the bonding. Do whatever’s required of you then you can go back to whoring about.” She turned to walk away, but he grabbed her and pulled her to him.
“When a demon bonds, their desire for any other is gone.” A glint sparked in his eyes. “There’s only you, sugar, and you need not worry that you’ll have to sleep with me again. Unless, of course, you feel the heat of arousal between your legs, then I’d be happy to put out your fire.”
She wanted to wipe the smirk off his face. “Really? Do tell. Does the female’s desire for other men wane, as well?” Why had she traveled that route? Only moments ago, they’d been having a lovely breakfast, and he’d given her the choice to come to him on her terms. Now, they quarreled like a couple—well, a couple forced into marriage.
He cupped her chin. “You’re playing with fire by even mentioning another man. I’m a bonded male, and should you ever decide to seek out another man’s attention, I will kill him. Test me on this only if you want another’s death on your hands. I gave you the chance to flee, and you chose to stay. You belong to me now. Be satisfied that I will not make demands as is my right.” He released her, turned then walked away.
What had she gotten into? And, why did she suddenly feel abandoned?
Baal had expected a slap across the cheek, but instead, Ranata only glared at him. He turned and walked away, knowing she’d eventually follow. They were in a foreign land. She had no choice.
“You know, we’ve all had a broken heart at some point in our life.” She stepped in next to him. “You need to learn to let go.”
He refused to look at her because she was right. “Do you have blood on your hands because of it?”
Shock registered on her face. “No. Are you saying you caused her death?”
“She took her life because of me. I should never have fallen in love with her.”
Ranata stopped and placed a hand on his arm. Damn it, she was supposed to be pissed at him. He knew how to deal with that, but her compassion melted away his reserves, and he wasn’t ready to surrender to the bond completely. If she were angry then he could keep his emotions under control.
“It isn’t your fault she chose to die instead of live. I’m sorry though that you had to go through that. No one should, but isn’t it time to let go?”
“You need to understand the bond we have. It’s a connection, like soul mates, and it means we are loyal, protective and seek to meet the other’s needs. Whether it is a need for food, shelter or sexual fulfillment. Love usually comes as the couple spends time together, but it can be turned off.”
“So, are you saying you can both hate me and have a need to protect me at the same time?”
Now was his time to make a choice. How he answered her would determine the type of future they would have together. He could harden his heart totally and become a demanding mate, bending her to his will. Or, he could give her what she desperately seemed to want.
“Do you know what it’s like to have the woman you love slip away in your arms, and nothing you do, no one you beg, will save her?” He still felt Beth as she went limp against him after confessing to taking poison. Her heart had stilled, and his had shattered.
Ranata shook her head.
“I will never hate you, and as I promised before I will give you all that you need. It pains me that I can’t promise you love, but know this: your demise would cause me great pain because we are connected. If I were to give you my heart and you left me… It would kill me. I’m not ready to take the risk. I’m truly sorry.”
She touched his cheek and surprised the hell out of him. “No, I’m the one who’s sorry. I didn’t mean to stir up painful memories. We will take this one day at a time,” she whispered.
Damn it. Again, his resolve was tested. “Your people are hiding here. Let’s go find them.”
It bothered her that he hurt, and she had to wonder if their bond created the turmoil she carried inside her as well. It wasn’t like her to care so much about a stranger’s feelings. Then again, she supposed she couldn’t consider him that since they had already been through a lot. After all, he’d rescued her from a fate worse than death then basically married her. And let’s not forget the mind-blowing sex. She blushed every time she thought about it. The urge to have him take her fast and hard right there on the ground caused her to bite her lip. Somehow, she needed to tamp down her overactive sex drive. Or maybe not. Would it be so bad if they met each other’s needs? Could they have a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding? Maybe, with time, his wounds would heal once he realized she would never do anything to hurt him.
As they approached the top of a ridge and looked out, several people mounted on horseback greeted them. They all dismounted and quickly dropped to bended knee on the ground before her.
“Well, Your Highness, seems your people await you,” Baal stated.
Ranata snapped her jaw shut and watched in disbelief as a handsome man with long blond hair approached her. He bent at the waist in a bow.
“Your Highness. On behalf of our people, I welcome you home.” He straightened. “I am Heremon, and I will be your personal guard.” His blue eyes flashed. “It is a pleasure to have you here finally, and may I say, you look just like our beloved queen.”
She needed to find her tongue before she looked like an idiot in front of all these people.
Sugar, deep breath. You’ll be fine. Baal managed to slip into her mind and offer comfort.
“Thank you. I’m happy to be here.” She extended her hand and hoped it was the correct thing to do. No one schooled me on the protocol for this sort of thing, she shot back.
He chuckled. You’re the queen. It’s whatever you want it to be. He stepped closer to her side and folded his arms over his expansive chest. “And just so we’re clear, I am the queen’s personal guard, and I wish to inspect your warriors.”
Heremon shot up a brow. “Demon. While we appreciate your escorting our queen home, this is fae territory, and you should do well to remember that.”
Baal leaned forward. “And you will do well to realize I don’t give a shit, and Ranata is mine. I’m sure you’ve learned in your lifetime what happens when you get between a demon and his mate?”
She should be pissed that he claimed her, but not only was it reassuring to have him by her side as her protector, it was damn sexy.
“You, Demon, should have been around long enough to know you’re in over your head here. We can use your power to destroy you.”
“And I will die protecting her. You must realize she is safest with me,” Baal growled.
Ranata sighed. She was in a foreign land, with magical beings and no clue what to expect. Time to test the waters. “Enough of this pissing contest.”
She pulled back her shoulders and pinned a glare on Heremon. “You will direct all matters of my safety to my mate.” Turning to Baal. “And you will play nice.”
The look of surprise on both male’s faces had her feeling pretty proud of herself. She’d just put two superpowers in their place. “Now, can we get on with our duties?”
The guard bowed. “Of course, Your Highness. I apologize for my rudeness and promise it will never happen again.” He moved his attention to Baal. “I have a mount ready for the queen if you care to inspect it.”
Baal held up a hand. “No need. I trust your judgment.”
The other man nodded. “This way then.” He led them across a grassy field to where the others waited.
Thank you for toning it down. She hoped Baal heard her.
I only did it for you, and I’ll sense if anything is wrong with your mount. However, be warned. One step out of line by any of these fae, and I swear to Hades, I will rip this place to shreds. Your safety is my only priority.
Noted.
She allowed Baal to help her into the saddle and pretended she knew what she was doing. She’d ridden a couple of times when she was younger, but that had been several years ago. Her sophomore year in high school to be exact, when she’d had a serious crush on the boy down the road. Jake’s family had had several horses so she’d agreed to go riding with him, wanting to make an impression. They used to ride every Sunday after church during nicer weather. He’d take her up into the mountains, and she’d pretend not to be scared shitless every time the horse would stumble slightly. It had been worth it, though. As time went on, they’d fallen in love, and one sunny afternoon, she’d lost her virginity to him. The two had always talked about the future and planned to marry one day and have a couple of kids.
Jake’s family moved to Germany the following year when his father’s company transferred him. They had both been heartbroken and written frequently, but after a time, the letters had come less often, and then one day, Jake had broken her heart. He confessed he’d been seeing someone else and had gotten her pregnant. He was married and a father at the young age of eighteen.
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