by Janie Marie
Lucifer answered, “It wasn’t just a dream. She created an alternate reality. Everything we saw exists now in an alternate universe of her creation; one we will never walk in as we exist here—but one we exist in, nonetheless. As humans in a polyamorous relationship with Jane.”
“A reverse harem,” Famine provided.
Jane’s jaw dropped. “Reverse harem?”
“Your soul, baby girl,” Death said. “She woke while you slept, and she was horny as fuck.” He laughed loudly now. “I can’t believe you made Papi your brother.”
“It was stepbrother.” David pinched the bridge of his nose and stood, pacing. “It’s not real, though.”
“It is,” Famine said as a new flash of light filled the room.
“Quite real.” Pestilence, the new arrival and First Horseman of the Apocalypse, strolled through the room, his pale eyes on her as he pushed his pale blond hair back. “My only question is why wasn’t I number five?”
Death pushed him aside. “Because I’d kill you, even her soul knew that.”
Jane clutched her head as she watched David pace. He was going to hate her for this.
Death’s voice filled her mind, “He doesn’t hate you,”
“He does,” she replied mentally as she held a hand over her heart, her eyes trailing after David. “I kinda made him a bad guy for some reason.”
“You’re insecure about his past before he knew about you, my love. He knows that.”
“Still.” She sucked in a breath as she was hit with an onslaught of betrayal from David. “It’s like the dreams I had when I was pregnant—with him cheating. It felt real.”
“He didn’t cheat,” Death soothed. “But you’re gonna be insecure and hurt until you fully accept his past.”
Jane nodded, appreciating that the others were allowing her privacy with Death. He was her world here, just as he was in her dreams. “I mean, it’s not like I haven’t dreamt about you as a human before, but before we had a reason for you being . . .”
“I am always with you first, babe,” Death said aloud, ignoring David’s sharp look. “And it changes nothing between us here. That was there—here, we are us. We are the originals of our existence. You already know there is more beyond this life.”
“But there, I’m with all of you?” She darted her gaze around the room.
Pestilence winked. “Not me, beautiful. Saw Jason tried to tap that, though. What the hell?”
David stopped pacing, sapphire eyes softening as they caught glimpse of her. “Because they’re forever.”
Her heart warmed, and she reached for him. “I’m sorry, baby.”
That smile. That gorgeous David Leodegrance smile, though he was a full man now, formed on his lips, as he walked closer. “You did nothing wrong.” His warm hands cupped her cheeks, and he leaned down, kissing her the way he always did, dominating and loving. “I’m certainly not upset about Jason. Your beautiful soul knows that man is forever tied to you, just as Death and I are.” He glanced at Luc. “As well as your king.”
“Doesn’t explain Famine hitting it,” Pestilence annoyingly pointed out. He threw his arm around his brother’s shoulder. “It’s the long hair and Death looks, isn’t it?”
Famine sighed, easily escaping from his brother’s hold. “It’s because I am hers in her darkest hour. She was asleep.”
Pestilence snickered. “You certainly saved her from darkness . . . with your dick.”
Death raised his hand, and his scythe formed as he pointed it at Pestilence. “Another word, and it’s your dick you’ll be screaming for after I chop it off.”
Though Pestilence held his hands up in surrender, his light eyes sparkled with glee. “Why are you mad at me? Famine is the one who slipped in.”
David lifted Jane into his arms, his hand dropping to her ass as he eyed Famine. “Will your other half cause problems for us?”
She cringed, hugging David. Hunger, Famine’s sorta-wife if angels could marry, was volatile, and she was as close as an angel could come to a soul mate. She also hungered for more than Famine, and she strayed from him more often than one would think possible with an amazing man such as he to call hers.
Jane hated that Famine did nothing, not even an expression that he was hurt. All he did was come to her, relieved from pain because he experienced Jane’s love and how much she was loved by his brother.
Her eyes met his dark pair, and she smiled at him, loving that the faint smile he’d given her in the dream appeared before quickly disappearing.
“Elise,” Famine said, preferring her more human name than the embodiment of Hunger, “has no right to argue. And, as my brother said, nothing changes here. You and I are still merely . . . bonded.”
Something inside her wept at his words, but she didn’t say anything.
David slid a hand down her spine and addressed Famine, “I think you have always been more than bonded. It’s no secret you two are closest out of the other Horsemen, and it is no secret I allow you such closeness.”
Her whole being warmed at his words and at the fact Famine didn’t deny they were closer than she was with Death’s other brothers.
“It could be worse,” Death said. “Lance could’ve banged her.”
Lucifer sighed, closing his eyes. “You did not just say banged. You are the Angel of Death. Act like it.”
She grinned as David actually laughed and kissed her.
“He’s hopeless around her,” David said, sitting on their bed but not moving her from being wrapped around him. “All I care about is that we found each other, and we found a way to be together, even when the universe was against us.”
Death sent his scythe away and sat on the bed. Well, he sprawled out and curled a finger at her. “Daddy Death wants to spend time with his wifey. I say we make our dream baby a reality.”
“Your baby is a reality.” David kissed her shoulder. “Does this impact her world?”
Luc answered, “Our kingdom still grows in Hell’s ruins. Waiting for her.”
Tingles bloomed below her heart and to the side, and Death reached for her. “Don’t fear your future.”
A searing kiss pressed against her neck, and David smacked her butt. “He’ll find you first, and you know I will never stop searching for you. Go to him before he pouts.”
She giggled, crawling off his lap and over to her angel.
“I think it’s Ryder and Jane naughty time,” Death teased, tugging her onto his body so she could lie on his chest.
“Behave,” David said, standing. He walked toward Luc, and the room grew hot. “Are you done here?”
Death kissed her neck as a faint blue hue pulsed around David. “Watch, my love. Papi stirs . . .”
Jane held her breath, waiting for Luc to respond. She didn’t see him much anymore, and she missed him. But he was her eternity, not her husband. Not her Death.
Finally, Luc spoke, that elegant way that Jane knew irritated everyone but her. “Considering I am joined with my queen for an eternity, I am never done.”
The muscles in David’s back and arms flexed, and the blue hue pulsed with power. “Considering this is my home, and she’s in my bed, I say you are.”
Luc smirked. “In this world, perhaps.”
Pestilence laughed suddenly. “Jane’s soul literally had herself some Fifty Shades of Grey. She does like the gray hair, brother.”
“Don’t,” Jane said, knowing David would probably do something he wouldn’t be able to stop if he rose to Luc’s taunt and Pestilence’s pestering.
“Say your goodbye,” was all David said before striding toward the door, but he slowed, his aura flickering, and met Famine’s stare.
“There is no need to issue a warning, Prince David,” Famine told him calmly. “Treasure is not always meant to be spent. I am content guarding mine, watching as she is cherished by her heart and soul, and world.” He walked closer to Jane, caressing her cheek, and she sighed as a mixture of those very things spread over her skin. “As always, Sweetest Jane
, think of me in your darkest hour. For I am yours to bring.”
She covered his hand, nuzzling it as she felt something shift, something strengthen between them, and it wasn’t just the bond she had with his brothers. “Thank you, Famine.”
“Of course,” he said, smiling, “tesoro.” A black mist, then flashes of white instantly erupted, signaling his and Pestilence’s departure.
Death hugged her, waving David away. “The little one is coming.”
“Stay with her,” David said, nodding at Luc, who nodded in return, then he left the room.
“Luc,” she said, holding out her hand. “Are you okay?”
He came closer, taking her hand and raising it. He stayed quiet as he turned her wrist, but he smiled faintly and kissed the mark there. “Do not ask silly questions, my queen.”
Death reached forward and smacked Luc’s hand away. “Mine.”
“Child,” Luc said as Death chuckled, and those silver eyes landed on hers. “Smile for me.”
Without hesitation, she did as he asked—she’d never deny him again.
He took it in without any reaction, but her heart fluttered anyway. “Now I am okay.”
The tenderness of the moment didn’t last.
Death held up the middle finger. “Leave. Teen, human me had the right idea. I feel like making babies with her.”
“Let’s save further damnation of Jane’s soul for another reality, shall we?” Luc moved away, though he kept staring into her eyes.
“She’s already going to Hell,” Death said seriously. “How about you fuck off and let me have my girl the way I’m supposed to?”
Luc gave her a full smile. “Is that not what she has been doing all this time, little brother?”
Death hugged her, his whole presence pulsing through her. “Is that what you’re doing, angel? Making it up to me?” When she didn’t respond, he nuzzled her with his nose and slid a hand to his spot. Tingles. “There’s nothing to make up. You have me, and I have you. We’re everything. I’m even a daddy, just like the lucky human version you created.”
Boldly, Luc approached again, leaning down and kissing the corner of her mouth. “It was a lovely dream, Jane. The only thing I regret is that I did not experience what that version of myself was permitted with you.”
Death pulled her closer and away from Luc. “Yes, it was lovely. I am certain we will live happily ever after there, Sweet Jane.” He focused on the King of Hell. “It’s not her time . . . Not your time with her yet. And you can thank me for ending that glimpse she gave us.”
“You allowed a peek at her and Tercero, but you blocked the physical relationship she no doubt had with me?” Luc chuckled darkly. “Cute.”
“Tercero looks like me—it was hot.” Death narrowed his gaze at Luc. “You, however, have taken what is mine. It will be a long wait in Hell until you have her.”
Silver sparked in Luc’s eyes. “An even longer wait for you to see her as your wife.”
Jane gasped and prayed they didn’t fight.
Though destruction surged beneath his skin, Death replied in an empty tone, “Goodbye, brother.”
Luc fixed the cuffs of his sleeves. “Until eternity, my queen.”
She ignored Death’s growl and even though she was sore from his words to Death, she smiled for Luc. “Until eternity, my king.”
Brilliant white light erupted, and he was gone, and she was again alone with her bad boy.
“Breathe,” Death whispered against her hair. “I have my rage under control.”
“He didn’t mean it,” she said softly.
“He did.” Death kissed her temple. “Bad boy, huh?” She loved him for changing the subject. “Is that how you see me?”
“Yes.” She covered his hand. “We made a baby. You were happy to be a daddy. Not like now.”
“I was human, babe.” He kissed her head. “The way I wish I could be for you. Apparently, your soul wishes the same when she’s horny.”
“You promise you’ll find me,” she said. Her end, and what it would mean, haunted her daily. “Will you find me in Hell, Death?”
As David entered the room, Death replied, “We will find you, Sweet Jane. No matter where you send us, where you are taken, or where you are lost—we will come for you.”
David gave her that beautiful smile. “You get us both, my love. Beyond forever.”
Jane held out a hand for David, sighing as Death moved her hair and kissed her neck. “Yes, beyond.”
“And?” Death prompted as David leaned down, teasing her with a kiss.
Whimpering, she clutched at her David but pulled Death closer. “And for longer than always.”
“Exactly,” Death said, moving a hand between her legs.
“Mama?” the sweet voice yelled from outside the door.
She laughed, starting to push them away. “Karma is haunting you for cock-blocking, Death. You’ve been cock-blocked by our—”
“Uh-uh.” Death gripped her tightly and responded to the sweet voice, “Go find Uncle War—Mama’s busy.”
An older voice called out, “Mama said she’d take us riding.”
“She’s about to practice riding, then she’ll be out,” Death shouted, snickering as David shook his head. “Now, scram. It’s Sweet Jane’s time with her Ds.”
Thirty-Two
CONFUSED?
Confused by that last epilogue? If this is your first Janie Marie novel, don’t worry. You’re not alone and it was intended to be a bit confusing.
Epilogue 2 — When the Little Moon Dreams is several things. First, it’s an explanation for how this story was created. Jane, in a different reality, had the naughtiest of dreams, and accidentally created another reality where she and the “men” in her life are all human teenagers.
Second, it’s a fan service to existing Gods & Monsters fans. If you loved the boys in Jane’s Team, you’ll swoon for their origins. Those men are to die for, and you get to see how Jane went from broken woman to powerful goddess capable of making some steamy dreams.
Last, it’s a glimpse. Because if you did enjoy this story, and you felt at times the story might suddenly reveal something supernatural, you’ll understand the little jokes throughout the book.
Example: “Jesus Christ,” Kingston muttered, rubbing his forehead.
Ryder grinned at her. “He’s way off.” -Chapter 19
Because Ryder came from the Angel of Death. David came from a prince—I’ll let you find out what kind on your own. Tercero is the product of Famine, the third Horseman of the Apocalypse. Tercero means third in Spanish. And that should explain why Jane was so hungry for him. Lol.
And Luc is the King of Hell himself, Lucifer.
The other guys who all seem to have loyalty to Jane are all part of G&M as well. A bunch of devils, wolves, and—well, you’ll have to read to meet their original versions.
I do warn all who consider meeting them that G&M is heartbreaking. It’s rough. And Jane is frustrating. She was created for a purpose, for those who have suffered abuse, loss, and mental health disorders. Her battle against those things are part of the epic journey to save the world, but it makes for a difficult read. Because she’s there to give hope to those who struggle to see the light.
But it’s all worth it. You can tell by that epilogue a lot took place for them to get where they are, and they’re going to still have many journeys even if the trilogy is over.
So, feel free to jump over. I plan to write more Bizarro realities, and the G&M novels will stretch far beyond the realm of reality as we know it.
Check the next page for more or visit my Amazon profile.
Also By Janie Marie
The Gods & Monsters Trilogy
Gods & Monsters
The Fallen Queen
The Light Bringer
The Fairy Tale
The fairy tale that received 25 Million Reads on Wattpad
Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?
A Gods & Monsters Novel
/> Acknowledgments
Thank you to my husband and kiddos for sharing me with my characters and readers.
Thank you to my Aunt Jackie and cousin, Anica, for allowing me a chance to gain closure with my grief surrounding Jessica’s death. I hope you enjoyed the small mention—my way of preserving her memory for all eternity.
Thank you to author Ashley Claudy for first giving me the idea to write a true reverse harem for Jane. We all love our adorable hoe, and she gets so much shit for having such an incredible heart that loves and is loved by more than one man. It was fun to give the crew a break from the heavy. I totally failed at making a quick novella, but I’ll continue trying to become a better writer.
Thank you to Janie’s Sweet Monsters. They’re a group of street team supporters, bloggers, ARC reviewers, and fellow authors. You’re so amazing, and I can’t thank you enough for your support through the years.
Finally, thank you to my editing team: Jessica Su, Kalah Melaine Scott, Sarah Wright, and Sidney Smith. Every one of you witnessed how hard the end of last year and the start of this year was for me with my husband being hospitalized. You knew I passed my deadline, couldn’t hire my usual editor with all the medical bills, and you knew I wanted to publish soon. Your incredible efforts will never be forgotten, and I encourage you to continue your contributions to the writing world.
Special love to Team Jane, the Facebook group I created for those who connect with Jane or Kylie—and the heroines I have yet to make. Never give up. You’re goddesses. You’re Little Hoods. Roar, for it is our favorite sight.
And thank you to everyone who chooses to take a chance on my books.
xx
Janie
About the Author
Janie Marie is a native Texan and resides in her hometown north of Austin, Texas, where she devotes her time to family, pets, and her writing.
Much of her life experiences—good and a lot of bad—are where she has chosen to draw inspiration from to create her characters and stories. It's important to her to create the kind of characters she needs or needed at one point in time because she wanted to create something only the saddest souls would recognize as brave and strong.