Inescapably Hellbound

by Cassandra Lawson

  “What’s going on?” Lucifer asked.

  “Big riot!” the guard shouted. “We need back-up. Lots of back-up!”

  The call went dead as we reached the parking garage where we’d take the elevator back to Lucifer’s home.

  Both Persephone and Beatrice sighed.

  Lucifer was already on his phone arranging for others to head to the detention area as we stepped into the elevator. I stripped out of my shirt so I could let my wings out when we emerged into his home.

  “I’m sorry about tonight,” I murmured as I brushed the hair back from Persephone’s cheek.

  She took my shirt and brought it to her face. She inhaled deeply and shuddered. “Promise you’ll come to me if it’s not too late.”

  There was nothing I wanted more than to go to her, but taking her when my adrenaline was running high from the carnage in the detention area would be a mistake. I shook my head. “Not like this. I want it to be perfect.”

  “You are a very frustrating fallen angel,” she grumbled.

  Chapter 43

  Persephone

  “You look like you’re having a bad day,” Joey remarked as he perched himself on the edge of my desk. My boss, Julia, had described Joey’s build as that of a competitive swimmer, and I had to agree. His extremely broad shoulders tapered down to a narrow waist. With black hair, tanned skin, and amber eyes, Joey had a bad boy quality that women seemed to like.

  He owned a security firm with some other werewolves from a pack up north. They’d helped out when someone was trying to kill Julia, Gryph’s mate. Since Gryph liked the wolves, he often contracted with them when his own security firm needed extra help.

  “It’s hard to be in a good mood when I’m tripping over werewolves,” I snapped.

  Joey’s eyes widened, and he waited for me to say more before responding. “Now, this is a big change.”

  “What?” I asked.

  “You didn’t apologize for snapping at me,” he explained. “I’m not asking you to apologize. Although, I should point out that I’m only doing my job.”

  “You’re right,” I agreed with a sigh. “You’re only doing your job, and I shouldn’t take my frustration out on you.”

  “It’s okay to snap at people, or even tell them to leave you alone, when you’re in a bad mood,” Joey told me.

  Since Gryph had just stepped out of the elevator as Joey made that statement, he joined in the conversation. “I do it all the time.”

  “Hades is turning me into a nasty witch,” I muttered.

  Joey and Gryph both laughed at my statement, but it was Joey who responded. “You’re still one of the most polite people I’ve ever met. So, Hades is the reason you’re in such a bad mood?”

  “He hasn’t claimed her as his mate yet,” Gryph answered for me.

  “How would you know that?” I demanded.

  “His scent on you isn’t very strong,” Gryph explained.

  Joey decided to add more to the explanation. “I can definitely smell the fallen angel on you, but not like you’ve fucked.” As soon as the words left his mouth, Joey flashed me a sheepish smile. “Sorry. I shouldn’t be that crude.”

  I waved off his apology. “I’ve spent enough time around werewolves to know you aren’t trying to be offensive. While I’d rather not think about what you’re smelling when you smell Hades on me, I understand that you’re not saying it to be offensive.”

  Julia emerged from the back and joined in the conversation. She’d been working in one of the prop rooms, so her blonde hair was secured in a ponytail to keep it out of her face. “I hate it when the werewolves talk about that. Granted, it is kind of nice when Gryph tells me how much he likes my scent. I still don’t want him to go into specifics. He’s been known to go too far with his explanations.”

  Gryph grinned. “I love the way you smell, Sass.”

  “And that is all you need to say,” Julia told him before asking me, “So, you slept with Hades? I assumed your bad mood was because you hadn’t yet.”

  In most offices, our conversation would be considered far too personal, but I worked for a company that planned kinky fantasies for couples, and sometimes groups. That morning, I’d helped unload a box of vibrators and checked to make sure they were charged before we put them in one of the prop rooms. The boundaries were different at Bliss.

  “They haven’t fucked,” Joey answered for me. “He’s definitely been spending a lot of time with her. His scent is all over her skin, but he hasn’t claimed her.”

  “And that is too much information,” Julia told him. “No one wants to hear that.”

  “It doesn’t bother me,” Gryph said with a shrug.

  “Because you’re a werewolf,” I pointed out.

  “What’s it like being involved with a fallen angel?” Joey asked.

  “Confusing,” I admitted. “Maybe being with Hades is what’s confusing. Although, Beatrice seemed confused when she was first involved with Lucifer.”

  “At least, Hades didn’t lie to you or send you running to my house asking for a place to hide,” Gryph added.

  “There is that,” I agreed. “Hades has been very honest with me. I’m sure I confuse him as much as he confuses me.”

  “Do you love him?” Julia asked, her pale blue eyes watching my reaction. “I’ve seen you with him. You obviously like him and find him attractive, but do you love him?”

  “Yes,” I replied without hesitation.

  “You’re much easier than, Sass,” Gryph remarked. He grinned when Julia walked over and punched his belly. She was more likely to hurt her hand on all that muscle than she was to hurt Gryph. They were a striking couple. Julia was a couple inches shy of six feet tall, but Gryph was several inches taller and seemed to dwarf her with his large frame. “You got a problem with me, Sass?”

  “Yes,” she replied with her arms crossed in front of her chest. “I was cautious with you, not difficult.”

  “I’m not the most cautious witch.” My thoughtful comment brought Julia’s attention back to me.

  “You’re cautious when you need to be,” Julia assured me. “You don’t have the same fears about being hurt or rejected most people do.”

  “Hades has enough fears for both of us,” was my response. “He’s nothing like the man I always pictured myself falling in love with, but it’s as if we were always meant to be together.” I laughed when I heard my own words. “That sounded ridiculous. Of course, we were meant to be together. I’m destined to break his curse.”

  “Why does loving him put you in such a bad mood?” Joey asked.

  I decided to answer the question in terms the werewolves could definitely understand. “I’m in a bad mood for the same reason you know he hasn’t claimed me.”

  They all laughed at my response. As Joey walked off, I heard him say, “Horny witches are bitchy. Good to know.”

  Chapter 44

  Persephone

  The summons came while I was at work.

  “You’ve got to be kidding me,” I muttered as I stared at the hand-delivered missive from the Council of Witches.

  “The Council of Witches never kids,” the warlock who’d delivered the message answered seriously.

  “Am I in some sort of trouble?” I asked. The only dealings I’d had with the council had been when I was taking my witch test. My parents had given up their seats on the council and, while I was registered in this territory, I didn’t currently have any obligations to hold a seat on the council. I had no idea why they’d summoned me.

  “Did you do something wrong?” the warlock asked, looking more bored than curious.

  “Not that I’m aware of,” I replied.

  The warlock’s face softened. “I’m not sure what’s going on. I was just sent to deliver the message since you haven’t responded to the emails they sent you. If it helps, no one seemed mad about anything other than you not responding to the emails.”

  “Did they change the main email account again?” I asked.

/>   The warlock nodded. “Yes, they sent out an email to notify everyone.”

  “Just like last time, so the emails are probably in my spam folder.” I sighed. “Why can’t witches send messenger owls?”

  “Messenger owls?” the warlock asked, looking genuinely confused. He didn’t seem to have much of a sense of humor.

  “Never mind,” I told him. “Thank you for delivering the message.”

  He nodded and headed to the elevator as I pulled out my phone to tell Hades I was going to be late. This irked me even more because I had big plans with Hades. We’d both agreed to take the next step. I could definitely see why so many people hated the council.

  Persephone: I need to go to a council meeting tonight.

  Hades: Why? This is a bad night for it. It will be a pain in the ass to arrange security last minute.

  Persephone: Is that all you’re worried about?

  Hades: I’m also annoyed about having to wait even longer to get you naked. Can you go another night?

  Persephone: Sadly, no. They seem determined to get me there.

  Hades: Fucking witches. What do they want?

  Persephone: I’m not sure. The messenger didn’t have any idea why they wanted to see me. Apparently, I was summoned by email and didn’t respond. The email is probably in my spam folder. Don’t you think it would be better if they used messenger owls instead of email?

  Hades: Like in Harry Potter?

  I loved him even more for understanding the reference.

  Persephone: Exactly! I used to sit and wait for my letter after I read the books.

  Hades: I was far too old to hope for a letter, but I want a flying broom.

  Persephone: I have one. Levitation spells are one of my father’s specialties.

  Hades: Really? Can he make a flying broom for me?

  Persephone: Need I remind you that you can fly without a broom?

  Hades: It would still be fun.

  I smiled, loving this side of him.

  Persephone: I’m not sure how late I’ll be at the council meeting. I’m going to try to figure out what’s on the schedule to get a better idea.

  Hades: I’ll meet you at Bliss and go with you.

  Persephone: I can always ask Gryph to send security with me if you’re worried about my safety.

  Hades: You don’t want me to go to the meeting with you?

  Persephone: I’m afraid you’ll be bored out of your mind.

  Hades: Don’t worry about me. I don’t know how to drive, so I may bring Rainer with me.

  Persephone: Okay. I’ll see you then.

  Taking Hades with me to a council meeting would definitely cause a stir. I hoped it didn’t keep us there any longer than necessary.

  Chapter 45

  Hades

  “Are you sure you want to go to the meeting dressed like that?” Rainer asked as we made our way to the elevator.

  I looked down at my jeans and steel-toed boots. They were in good condition, but likely a far cry from what was normally worn at witch meetings. Rainer was probably more concerned with my lack of shirt. I figured that my presence would already cause a stir, so why not attend with my wings out? Even if I showed up in a suit as nice as the one Rainer was wearing, I’d still draw the attention of every witch in the building. Rainer had his black robe draped over his arm.

  “What I’m wearing is fine,” I replied. “I’m glad I don’t have to wear a dress like you.”

  Rainer laughed. “I still look manlier than you, even in a dress.”

  “Keep telling yourself that,” I shot back as we stepped into the elevator.

  When the doors opened, Persephone gasped, making me worry I’d gone too far.

  “That outfit definitely makes a statement,” she said softly.

  “I told him the same thing,” Rainer agreed with a laugh. “The statement is that he’s insane.”

  “It says more about how he doesn’t give a damn what the council thinks,” Persephone replied.

  “I suppose it gives off that message,” I agreed with a nod. “I figured I’d already draw enough attention, so why not give them a good show?”

  “It’s a very nice show,” Persephone assured me as she approached.

  “I’m not sure you want this much attention,” Rainer pointed out. “It’s usually best to stay off the council’s radar.”

  “It’s too late for that,” Persephone argued. “People will recognize Hades as soon as we walk into the building. Those who don’t recognize him will figure out who he is soon enough.”

  “This will only feed into the belief many hold about his sanity,” Rainer pointed out.

  “Who cares?” Persephone asked. “I’m sure most who’ve met me think I’m also crazy. Why should Hades hide behind a veil of civility?”

  I laughed at her words. “Such a poetic way to say fuck them all.”

  “Fuck them all!” Persephone said loudly, stunning both Rainer and myself into silence.

  Her cheeks heated. “Too much?” she asked.

  I chuckled as I wrapped her in my arms. “Absolutely perfect.” Just like her.

  Chapter 46

  Persephone

  My parents had raised me to understand the rules of the various councils around the country. They all differed slightly, but some things remained the same. Robe colors were the same from council to council. This made it easier if a witch family moved. They didn’t have to worry about where they would fall in the hierarchy. The only way a witch could elevate their status was to bond with a higher-ranking witch.

  My robe was a deep purple. Above me, there were those in black robes, like Rainer, and those in the three shades of red robes. I didn’t mind wearing my robe, but it had more to do with how much I loved the color. As I passed a witch in a mustard brown robe, I nearly cringed. Had that been my family’s assigned color, I might be fighting the system of robe colors.

  “The last time I came here, it took me much longer to get past security at the front desk,” I said as I tried to ignore the witches stopping to gawk at us. I’d known Hades was going to attract a lot of attention. Reaching over, I ran my fingers along his wings, needing to touch him.

  Hades stopped walking and shuddered, which was when I remembered how Lucifer had reacted to me touching his wings. “Oh!” My hand immediately pulled away. “I’m so sorry. I forgot it’s not comfortable for you when someone touches your wings.”

  “Who told you that?” Rainer asked.

  “Lucifer,” I replied. “He let me touch his wings but asked me to stop because it was disturbing.”

  “I imagine it was most disturbing for Beatrice,” Hades told me.

  “Why would it be disturbing for Beatrice?” I asked.

  It was Rainer who answered. “When a fallen angel is attracted to someone, it can be very arousing.”

  “If you touch my wings, I’ll get hard,” Hades added in a gruff voice. “I’m getting turned on just thinking about your hands on my wings.”

  “Really?” I asked. “Does this mean you’ll have your wings out during sex?”

  “We have an audience,” Rainer reminded me.

  I shrugged. “So? They’re witches. Whether we give them something to gossip about or not, they’re going to gossip. They’re just as curious as I am.”

  Melina Blackwood laughed as she pushed her way through the crowd. She was dressed in a black robe. She was a few inches shorter than me with a curvy frame, thick brown hair, and icy blue eyes. Her eyes changed color with her mood. “You’ve got that right. These bitches, I mean witches, are nosey.”

  I didn’t know her very well, but we’d talked some when she’d stopped by Bliss. Her warlock had an office in the same building as Bliss. Allie was her cousin and Julia was her sister-in-law, so Mel made it into the office a few times a month. She was half-demon with a lot of attitude. Beside her was her warlock, Trevor.

  Many in the witch community changed robe colors if they bonded with someone higher ranking than them. Trevor had chosen
to stick with his crimson robe. He stood just over six feet tall with brown hair and brown eyes. I saw Trevor more often than Mel since his office was in the same building as Bliss.

  “What are you doing here tonight?” I asked them.

  “Julia asked us to come by to make sure there isn’t any trouble with the council,” Trevor explained.

  “She didn’t need to do that,” I told them before a thought occurred to me. “She doesn’t think I’ll need a lawyer, does she?”

  “Not that I’m aware of. Is that why we’re here?” he asked Mel.

  She shook her head. “Mostly, we’re here to see the council’s reaction to Hades.” Her eyes moved up and down the length of his body. “Oh, my. You did not disappoint.”

  “Where is Mr. Whiskers?” I asked.

  “I dropped him in one of the familiar-care rooms,” Mel replied.

  “Did you remember to check his bag first?” Trevor asked. “I forgot to check it.”

  Mel grinned. “No, I forgot to check for bunny slippers.”

  “Bunny slippers?” Hades asked in confusion.

  Rainer chuckled. “They have these nasty enchanted bunny slippers that some familiars enjoy chasing around.”

  “The horrid slippers destroyed my desk one day,” I complained. It had actually been the familiars who’d destroyed my desk while chasing the slippers, but I hated those slippers.

  “Will Evangalina be here tonight?” Rainer asked.

  “The last I heard, she’ll be representing our family tonight,” Mel replied with a grin. “Jezebel was already in the familiar-care room when we arrived.”

  Rainer grinned.

  “It looks like I won’t be the only one causing a scene,” Hades remarked.

  I looked him up and down. “I seriously doubt Rainer will be able to compete with you.”

  “We’d better get to the meeting before it starts,” Trevor said after looking at the time.

  I nodded, and we headed off to what was sure to be a very boring meeting, no matter how much of a scene Hades or Rainer caused.