7. Hades

M ovie night was so relaxing that I fell asleep before the end of the film, in between Frank and Drevi. It was nice to wake up being held by the two of them.

Frank peeks at me under his lashes. "Good morning, beautiful."

"Hello to you, too, handsome. Sorry I dozed off; this is the most relaxed I've been in a while. Ruling the Underworld is tiring and stressful, I don't get this kind of sleep at home."

"Well, I'm glad you got some much-needed rest. Ready to start decorating?" he asks in a hopeful tone.

"Let me see if I can wiggle out of Drevi's grip; it's hard to walk with someone laying on your legs."

I skim a finger down Drevi's cheek, and whisper good morning to him. His eyes flutter open and a smile crosses his lips.

"You're really here," he mutters in a sleepy tone.

"Yes, my love, but I need you to get up. Frank and I have a lot to do before the party tonight. Are you coming to help us?" I ask.

"If you're there, I'm there. I have to check in with the staff at the casino first, and then I'll be yours to command."

"Oh, I like the sound of that," I say as he sits up, allowing me to stand and stretch.

"What does one wear to decorate?" I ask with an eyebrow raised.

"Just jeans and a T-shirt, make sure you wear comfortable shoes too," Frank says.

I wink at him and snap my fingers. I'm clad in a four horseman shirt that has them depicted as skeletal unicorns, with blue jeans and black converse on.

"How's this?"

Frank and Drevi both laugh at my shirt.

"Where did you get that?" Drevi asks.

"Lainie bought it for me off the web. I find it adorable."

"Now, I think I've seen it all," War comments as he walks up and wraps his arms around me, pulling me to his bare chest.

"Good morning, War, what are you and Pyro doing today? I know you said you didn't want to help decorate, because of Frank."

"What about me?" Frank pipes in.

"You're a controlling asshole, and if someone is going to yell at me today, it will be Hades," War snarks. "I'd prefer her yelling my name."

Frank mumbles "I'm going to get dressed."

I snap my fingers again, and he changes from the skin-hugging shorts he and his brothers all wore for me last night into an outfit similar to mine.

"Thanks, Hades, are you ready? These slackers can meet us in the courtyard. I gave some of the staff instructions to move the decorations out there this morning for me."

"Sounds like a plan. I need to text Lainie and have her gather the souls for me to bring up here. That I can do on the elevator ride down." I kiss War on the lips and untangle myself from him.

"Pyro and I will be down in a little bit to help." He winks.

I turn to Drevi and pull him towards me. "I'll see you in a little while." I place my lips on his and give him a slow, taunting kiss.

Once I release him, I grab my phone from the coffee table, take Frank's hand, and pull him towards the elevator doors.

I push the little button, and it lights up, the doors ding and open. "That was fast," I note.

Frank is still silent, probably brooding over War's words.

"Don't take his words to heart. In stressful times, people sometimes don't act as they normally would. The pressure can be too much, especially when you want it perfect. We will knock this out with time to spare, and if you want, you can come help me with the souls. I don't want them there until right before the party. They may get a little whiny chained to a post all day in the sun. Most haven't seen the light of day for centuries," I tell him, giving his hand a little squeeze.

"Why is it with you here, my heart feels lighter?" He smirks.

"I'm not sure, but I feel the same way." I smile back at him.

I shoot Lainie a text and tell her the plan for the souls. I have her pick out the oldest in the Underworld, making sure she doesn't get any that would be too violent. That's just what a party would need—a homicidal spirit whispering bad ideas into the guests' ears.

"Lainie says she'll have them ready for us." I beam at Frank as the doors open .

He leads me to the courtyard again, but we stop at the pool bar to say hello to Pyro, who is behind it, already mixing drinks. "What'll it be?" he asks with a smile.

"Surprise me," I reply.

With a wink, he sets to work.

Frank's face is still solemn, so I give his hand a squeeze. "Don't let War get you down. I'm here, let's try and have some fun."

He leans his forehead to mine. "Anything for you, babe."

"Here you go, Hades, one Pyro Surprise."

"Do I need to worry about what's in here?" I tease.

This gets a laugh from both him and Frank.

"Are you coming to help us decorate? War volunteered you."

"If you're there, I'm there," he states. "It's a couple hours before I can come help, though."

"No problem, we are headed to start now. We will see you soon," I say as I take a sip of the cocktail he whipped up. I cough a little—it burns a little going down. That's one way to wake me up.