by L. Rose
Ezra snarled and shifted his attention their way. I could tell he didn’t want to. He wanted to focus on the bigger threat, the demon. “Don’t go near him, Paige,” Ezra sent me.
I couldn’t promise that because I didn’t like the demon’s attention on Ezra, so I said nothing.
The council members froze; their faces drained.
“I have them,” Cedrick said, his voice tight and hard. “Please be careful, beautiful.”
“I’ll keep an eye on the demons,” Thorn said.
Pride filled my chest. I knew my mates hated the thought of me in danger, but they still showed me trust by leaving me to deal with the dickhead demon.
However, since Cedrick had the others under an illusion, Ezra shifted his attention back to the demon and me. Now it was my turn to trust him, even when it scared me stupid at the thought of something happening to him again.
“Little queeny,” Rebellious sang. I glanced at him and discovered his hand stretched my way, wiggling his fingers.
“Do you really think you’ll get away with taking me?”
He laughed. “Who will stop me?”
A form dropped from the roof onto Rebellious. The demon made a grab for Asher, but it was as if Asher was a spider as he crawled over the demon’s body. Anywhere my mate touched, blood welled.
Rebellious screamed in anger before he closed his eyes and stilled.
My heart was in my throat; I didn’t like it at all. I made a dash forward. A scream built inside of me when I saw Rebellious’s eyes flash open. He smiled as his hand whipped out and clamped around Asher’s throat.
“Fast little fucker,” he growled, and then Asher’s neck snapped. His body dropped to the floor, and he was kicked to the side.
I stopped.
I couldn’t move.
I couldn’t comprehend.
Then it all hit me—the rage, the fury, and the pain of seeing Asher staring up at the roof with no life in his eyes. Even though in the deep crevices of my mind I knew he would heal, I let in all the anguish and used it to fuel myself.
I locked my mind from my mates, shut down the link, and slowly, I pulled my gaze from Asher’s body to drill into Rebellious.
The demons around him yelled and cheered. Ezra snarled back.
I pushed them all away from my mind and focused on Rebellious.
Lifting my upper lip, I bit out harshly, “You shouldn’t have done that.”
Rebellious scoffed, his smile telling me he was amused by me. It was time to show him he shouldn’t be.
A growl filled my chest and spilled from my mouth as my teeth grew longer than ever before and my claws extended even more. My body felt thicker, taller. “Asher is mine. You harmed him.”
I rolled my head and stopped, my eyes on him again. He opened his mouth to say something, but he paused when I advanced faster than I ever had. In seconds, I was in front of him with my fist jabbed into his gut. He roared in my face when I looked all the way up at him.
He grabbed my arm and tried to pull it free. His eyes widened for the first time, and I saw panic. “You can’t be this strong.”
“You fucking touched what’s mine,” I yelled up at him.
Chaos descended around us. I could hear fighting, but I didn’t move my gaze away from the one in front of me. The one who would pay the most.
Sluggishly, I twisted my hand up in his tight grip and moved my hand upward toward his heart. His body healed as I went, and I grinned, knowing I would be able to inflict more pain since his body repaired itself.
“No,” he clipped. His hands around my arm smoked black. It grew upward on my body. His eyes narrowed. Was he trying to work a spell and it wasn’t happening? “What are you?”
“I’m Paige fucking Alice, goddamn ghoul queen.” I ripped my hand free and easily slashed down through his head. I stepped back and watched him heal.
I laughed. Once he was back to somewhat normal, I asked, “Are you ready for more?”
He said nothing, so I picked for him. I flashed forward, burying my teeth into his shoulder while I grabbed one of his wrists and forced my other hand between his legs. I tore off his balls. Flesh and fabric filled my grip. He screamed and thrashed, but I didn’t let go. My teeth stayed in his flesh, my one hand on his wrist as I dropped his balls to the floor. When I pulled my mouth back and moved away once more, shredded skin came with me. I wiped at my face with the back of my arm as I looked at the black smoke circling me.
“Why won’t my power work on you?” he puffed out, his voice full of fear and pain chasing his words.
“I’m protected by my mates,” I guessed, because I wasn’t exactly sure why either.
His hands lifted in front of him. More black smoke poured out and made its way toward me. I stood still and felt its cold touch brush over my skin. I watched it for a moment and then grinned up at Rebellious.
“You fool. She’s a ghoul. She can’t be controlled or killed by darkness. She’s made of it. But our queen is also right. She’s protected because of her mates. You didn’t think about that, about the other ghoul for her mate, about her vampire, and you didn’t know about me,” Ezra said from behind me. “Mi corazón, you’ve had your fun, but there’s only so much your mates can take. He will be dealt with. Come. Step back more.”
“No. He has to pay.”
“He will.” Ezra’s words whispered through my mind.
“Love, I need you.” Asher said.
I searched out my vampire to find him propped up leaning against Nate, with Alex at his side also. My heart ached. He was there, gazing back at me with his love shining through.
Rebellious roared. “Who are you?” he asked Ezra once more.
“He’s from my own loins, Rebellious” came a voice I knew too well.
“Did he have to say it like that?” Ezra growled through the link.
The other demons all screeched and went straight back into the portal. Back into Hell. I shook my head in shock, not realizing Lucifer was that scary. I just found him annoying.
Lucifer appeared right beside me, causing me to jump. He winked down at me, and I glared up at him. He chuckled and slung an arm over my shoulder. “I’ll have to watch myself around you, my dear. Taking his balls was a little harsh, darling.”
“Not harsh enough. I would have made him eat them.”
“And I believe you, but you have better things to do.” He smiled and looked at Rebellious. “You’ve really fucked up this time, Rebellious. If you had stayed away, this battle would be over. But then you showed your face. Did I hear you want to steal my daughter-in-law?” He shook me slightly at his side.
“Daughter-in-law?”
Lucifer clicked his fingers and pointed at Rebellious. “You got it. Sweet but temperamental, which I’m sure you’ve noticed by now. Paige Alice is mated to my son, Ezra. Do you want to run right back through that portal and let it be known to any demon who fucks with my family they’ll be turned to ashes instantly?”
Rebellious stayed still.
“No? Pity. I’ll have someone else spread the word then.” Lucifer sighed. “I guess it’s time I take care of you, Rebellious.”
“Please no, master. I beg you. Please let me live, and I will do anything you want. Anything.”
Lucifer straightened. His calm exterior faded and, in its place, stood a hard man who nearly had me fleeing from the look in his eyes.
“It’s too late. You harmed my loyal guard. You threatened my family.” In a flash, Lucifer was in front of Rebellious. His body glowed red. The heat coming off him swept out around the room. Lucifer wrapped a hand around Rebellious’s neck as his body grew brighter and brighter. It traveled up his arm and down over Rebellious, who bellowed in agony. His skin peeled away, revealing flesh, then bones, then nothing.
Lucifer sighed. The heat withdrew with the glow of fire. He walked over to Xi, who was in his human form, leaning against Kiered’s chest. He crouched beside them. “See you’ve found your mate, Xi. Lucky bastard. I guess yo
u’re staying with them then?”
Xi nodded.
Lucifer reached out and placed one hand on Kiered’s shoulder, the other on Xi’s. “I wish you both the best of luck.”
The doors behind us opened, and a group of vampires, as well as lion and tiger shifters, entered in a rush.
They all paused.
Lucifer walked back over. He ruffled Ezra’s hair on the way. “Always good to see you, kid.” Ezra complained under his breath and shoved him away.
“Dear Paige. Do you want me to take these imbeciles to Hell with me?” He gestured to the council members who didn’t seem to be under Cedrick’s illusion any longer, but all stared at me as if they saw something scary.
Cedrick’s mind touched mine before I heard, “They witnessed what a fierce, strong, and amazing queen you are, beautiful.”
Pleased they’d witnessed me at my worst—or perhaps my best depending on how you looked at it—it meant they might be more compliant with what I had in mind. “Thank you, honey.”
I returned my attention to Lucifer, who waited for my response. “No, thank you, Lucifer. They need to stand trial for the people and be punished.”
He bopped me on the nose. “Right then, I’m off. See you soon.” He vanished right in front of me.
“T-That was the devil,” Detroit stammered as he stomped down the stairs.
“Yes, it was.”
He whistled. “You are a badass.” He made his way over to the remaining council members. “Move and we’ll kill you right now in defense.” None of them did. I kind of hoped Jessica had. I would have loved to see her dead, and now. Though, it would come.
“Take them all to lockup,” I said. “I meant what I said. We’ll make it public—their trial and their execution.”
“Asher, please. Asher, Nate. I never meant any of it. They forced me into it,” Jessica begged.
Waylon stepped into her path and pushed her. “Move, bitch.”
Raquel approached me, along with a man who looked like he was on his death bed at her side. It seemed she held him up. “Paige, thank you.”
I smiled. “You found your mate. Was Detroit’s brother there?”
Raquel nodded, and I could see, even with the unshed tears, she was happy. The alpha cleared his throat. “I have heard wonderful things about you, Queen Alice. The tigers are in your debt.”
“As are the lions,” Detroit called.
“No need.” I waved them off. “I’m just happy it’s over.”
“We still have a few things to deal with though, love. Before we can leave,” Asher called.
I groaned as I made my way over to him. People laughed. Finnegan was in front of me in seconds. He bowed. “If you will, we will take care of everything here while you all rest.”
“That would be amazing, Finnegan. Thank you.” He bowed again and then flashed away. Others started out the doors as well.
“Come to me, please,” I said as I dropped to my knees beside Asher and took his face in my hands. I studied him, my heart only easing a little seeing him alive. Tears brimmed and blurred my vision. I leaned in and kissed him. Suddenly I was surrounded by all my men in a huddle on the floor.
“We’ve done it,” Thorn said, smiling.
“We have.” I grinned, letting Thorn’s words sink in.
Finally, the fear evaporated from my body. We actually had a future I looked forward to.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God—” A throat cleared, and the minister blanched. “—and Lucifer.” He nodded. “In the presence of family and friends to join together these men and this woman in holy—” A throat cleared again. The minister wiped at his sweaty brow while I looked over my shoulder and glared at the devil. “—in holy and unholy matrimony. Who here gives this bride away?”
“I do,” Xi answered and glared at everyone.
“It should have been me,” I heard from Lucifer. Thankfully Virginia shushed him.
The minister tipped his head at Xi. “Thank you. You may take a seat now.”
“No,” Xi clipped.
The minister’s head jerked back. “No?”
“I’m staying here.”
“Xi, I swear I will cut off Kiered’s—” Before I could finish my threat, he backed away.
“See what I mean about her temper?” Lucifer whispered, not quiet enough though, of course.
“We should have eloped,” I told my mates.
“Relax, sweetheart, it’s nearly done.” Thorn smiled from around Asher, who was at my side.
“Then we can get to the good part,” Ezra commented, causing laughter from the crowd. His father was the loudest.
“Everyone shut the fuck up so we can get married,” Nate yelled.
“Nate, really?” Alex snarked.
I glanced up at Cedrick on my other side. “Your mother must think we’re all crazy.” I was too scared to even glance at Castilina to see her expression, worried it would be a scowl of disgust.
He grinned down at me. “My mother loves you too much to be worried about any of this.”
I hoped that was true and stayed that way because I was close to killing Satan.
“Love, it’s fine. Now pay attention so we can have you as our wife.”
A grin swept over me. I beamed up at Asher. “Okay.”
The minister went on, and I was grateful Lucifer didn’t open his mouth again. I still couldn’t believe my men agreed to do this for me. When I’d brought up the idea of marking them in some way, it hadn’t even crossed my mind about having them wear my ring from marriage. When my sister suggested it, I fell in love with the idea but wasn’t sure the guys would go for it.
I was wrong. They loved the idea.
Which was how, one month after the battle with the council, after their trials and executions, which all factions could view, we were finally home and getting married. It had taken us what seemed like forever to figure out who would make good council members. People we trusted, people we knew wouldn’t lead anyone astray or become corrupted by power and money.
Until Alex suggested the people we already knew.
Aggie, Clyde, and Felnick all moved to the council building. They would be missed dearly, but I knew they were going to do amazing as they worked alongside Raquel, Detroit, and William. They still had two more positions to fill, but there was no rush, and my mates and I were willing to lend a helping hand when needed. Though, from what we’d heard, everyone was happy with the choices, and those who didn’t agree either kept silent or lived the way they wanted. Unless it was a way we didn’t agree with; then we’d send the enforcers to their doorstep.
Already men and women were coming out of nowhere with complaints of their master, coven leader, or alpha and how they’d been treated poorly. Each case was looked at more thoroughly. We wouldn’t blindly believe people until we had hard evidence in our hands.
It would be a long road to a world of peace between all communities, but it would be worth it in the end.
I was just grateful we were finally home. It was amazing to see my family again and it felt like the kids had grown too much since we’d been gone.
Since everyone had viewed what really went on in the meeting room with the council, I had the mages take down the shield protecting us from outsiders. We’d gained more people, even while we’d been away, but I’d made sure to meet them all when I got back. They’d been scared but hopeful for the same future my mates and I were after. Of peace.
The minister broke through my thoughts and said, “I ask you each now to repeat after me.”
My men each took their time and repeated the vows. I teared up over each and every one because they said them with such honesty, such conviction, I knew they meant every word.
Then it was my turn. “I, Paige Alice, take you Asher Evans, Nate Felan, Thorn Jones, Alex Smith, Cedrick Nelydriel, and Ezra Morningstar for my wedded husbands. To love and cherish. For better or worse, that means you Nate and Ezra, for richer or poorer. In sickness and in
health. From this day and for the rest of our existence.”
The minister smiled and nodded. “May the Lord and Underlord—” He winked at Lucifer. “—bless these rings, which you give to each other as your sign of love, devotion, and ever-lasting peace.”
“Also a warning,” I added.
“I’m sorry, child?” the minister asked.
“The rings are a warning to those who try and touch what’s mine.”
The minister cleared his throat and tugged at the neck of his outfit. “Yes, of course. As you place these rings on your partners’ fingers, I ask that you repeat these words. This ring is my sacred gift to you. A symbol of my love. A sign that from this day forward, and always, my love will surround you. With this ring, I thee wed.” As soon as we were all done, the minister announced, “I now pronounce you, ah, men and wife.” He shrugged. “All of you may now kiss your wife.”
My men surrounded me, each taking their time kissing the daylights out of me. Where if I breathed, I would be panting at the end. Hell, I still was.
We faced the room and the cheers of congratulations were deafening.
Ezra stepped forward with his hands out and pushed them toward the ground. The room quieted. “Thank you, everyone. Please enjoy the drinks and snacks in the throne room. Right now, we have somewhere to be.”
I let out a squeal when I was picked up over a shoulder. Asher flashed us out of the room, but I still heard the laughter ringing out behind us.
As soon as he had me in our bedroom and the other men joined us, with Thorn closing the door after him, I turned and ordered, “Help me with this dress.”
Alex had a better idea, of course. He clicked his fingers and all that was left on my body were my black lacy bra and panties.
“Are you sure about this, angel?” Nate asked as he stalked toward me already naked. My stomach swirled in delight.
“Yes. Double yes, triple yes, forever yes.”
A few chuckles went around the room, then Thorn said, “She sounds sure.”
“All right, angel. Anything for you.” He lunged. His arms wound around my waist and we were airborne for a moment, while I felt Nate shift into his half form, before we dropped to the bed. He was getting faster and faster at shifting; it amazed me. He pulled back enough that I saw his snout, the extra hair, and his sharp teeth. He licked at my neck before he latched his teeth into my flesh and bit down hard. I wrapped my legs around his waist and gripped his shoulders, holding him tightly against me.