Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 75457 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75457 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
“I’m sorry I couldn’t vote against the other four to get Lucien back,” I say.
He nods but doesn’t say anything, his hand deep in Mattia’s fur.
“I knew they wouldn’t do it. I’d already asked them.”
Maddox’s eyebrows shoot up in shock. “You did?”
My smile is sad. “A few months ago. After you asked Amell to help you and he refused. I’m not even sure Amell can do anything, and while I assume I can bring him back the same way I did Finley, I was told after I did that to her that I can’t do it again. They gave me a pass on Finley because of how bravely she fought to thwart Kymaris. I can only perform reincarnations of human souls sent to the Underworld.”
A reincarnation is only done for those souls who end up in the Underworld who have the potential for a better life.
A second chance, so to speak.
They are given a shot at a new life, but they have no memories of their past lives. That’s not what Maddox is asking for Lucien. He wants him back the same way he was—assholish tendencies and all—using the same magic I used to bring Finley back.
My fellow gods won’t allow it. Amell refused Maddox when he asked, and then they tried to kill each other. I’m not positive Amell has the ability to do it, but I suspect he might. He has access to the Book of Shadows, which contains the history of all Dark Fae power since they were expelled from Heaven and had to recreate themselves with stone magic. It’s the one book in all the universe that could reverse death—something only the gods can do.
“You need to see Amell again,” I say.
Maddox chuckles and gives a slight push to Mattia. “Off the bed, mutts.”
They ignore him, which I find amusing. Maddox is a clever demigod, though, powerful enough that two stubborn dogs are no match. He enshrines them gently in a magical bubble and bends distance so they’re placed on their side-by-side dog beds near the windows.
They’re both so shocked to be cuddled up with us one second and on the floor the next, they leap to their feet and bark. Uorsin makes to jump back up, but Maddox levels him with a stern look. “No. Stay.”
Mattia’s butt hits the ground, but he’s generally the more obedient.
Uorsin takes a tentative step toward the bed. “I’m warning you,” Maddox says in a low voice. “I’ll transfer you outside.”
A giggle escapes me, and Maddox’s head turns slowly my way. He’s as stunned as I am that I produced such a sound. With everything I’ve been through, I don’t giggle.
But I just did, and Maddox is so charmed, he rolls over on top of me. “Do it again,” he commands.
Smiling, I shake my head. “I can’t do it on command. And it’s likely never to happen again.”
From the corner of my eye, Uorsin takes another step toward us, and Maddox throws up a protective magical barrier over the bed. The dog is intuitive and knows he can’t come closer, so with a heavy sigh, he slumps to the floor.
Maddox turns his gaze back to me. “Now, I believe I told you I wasn’t going anywhere, so don’t even think about sending me on another mission—especially to Amell—only because you might be feeling awkward with me now.”
“No. It’s not like that. I want you to go to Amell and ask him again to help bring Lucien back. I can’t because the gods have made their decision, and me asking Amell will cross a line. I’m sure of it. But you can ask him again.”
A frown creasing his forehead, Maddox asks, “And what makes you think it would turn out any different? All you’re doing is ensuring we’ll tear the Underworld apart.”
“Because you didn’t tear each other apart during your last visit. In fact, you two played nice.”
“And you know this how?” he asks, one eyebrow cocked.
“I’m a god. Why wouldn’t I know?” I retort, trying to keep a straight face.
“You probably asked Amell,” he mutters before suspicion clouds his expression. “Did you send me there merely to get us to talk?”
“I refuse to answer that, and as your deity and supreme ruler, I’m offended you’d ask.”
A smile breaks across Maddox’s face. “You set us up. To be friends. Well, more like frenemies.”
“Maybe allies,” I propose. “I think you could be very good allies to each other.”
Leaning down, Maddox brushes his lips across mine. “Fine. I’ll go see him, but not now.”
He adjusts his body, pushes between my legs, and settles in. His warm hand covers my breast as his mouth grazes along my neck.
“Tomorrow’s soon enough,” I moan.
“Not leaving tomorrow either,” he whispers against my skin. “Maybe next week.”
His fingers pinch my nipple, hard enough I gasp from the pain. It’s a bold move to hurt a god, but rather than rush to anger, I melt.