18. Zarreth

eighteen

Zarreth

M addy pops us to the castle’s front entrance where Georgym stands with two unfamiliar men. The younger of the two is pissed and keeps demanding to see Maddy. The other one looks more than a little freaked out but looks to Georgym.

“She’s really here?”

“I’m really here, Dad,” Maddy says.

“Maddy! Bitch! I can’t believe you just left me like that!”

“I know. I’m sorry, Reed. I didn’t mean to.”

“Madelyne. What is going on? Who is this man? Where are we? And why can’t we take this,” he lifts the chain off of Reed’s chest, “off?”

“Awww, what’s the matter Mr. P.? You tired of being the big spoon?” Reed says over his shoulder.

“I can honestly say I never expected to be so close to you, Reed.”

“What are you even doing here?” Maddy asks her friend.

“Like I was just going to let your father go off with some sexy psycho by himself? Come on, girl. You know me better than that.”

“Did he just call Georgym sexy?” I whisper to my mate.

Georgym blushes and looks away.

“Here,” Maddy says, stopping in front of her father and friend. “Gimme your hand.”

“Why? What are you gonna do?” Reed raises a brow and holds his hands away from her.

“Oh shut up and give it here,” Maddy mutters while snatching his hand from him and securing a bracelet around his wrist. “There. Now you don’t need to share Dad’s necklace. But be careful not to take it off Dad.”

“Well, what am I supposed to do? Just shimmy down Daddy, here?”

“Reed. Don’t ever call him that again,” Maddy glares at her friend.

What’s more shocking though, is the scowl Georgym throws his way as a low growl escapes him. Georgym and I lock eyes for a brief moment and he visibly blushes.

Don’t think I’ve ever seen Georgym blush… or growl for that matter. Interesting .

“And yes, basically, just squat down until you’re out of his necklace.” Maddy rolls her eyes.

Reed does as told, even if he grumbles under his breath as he shimmies. Maddy is trying very hard to keep a serious face but I can see the slight upturn on the corners of her mouth. Once Reed’s free, he attacks Maddy, wrapping her in a giant bear hug.

“What happened?! Tell me everything bitch!”

“I will. Later. Right now what I really need is to get my dad to Mom’s chambers as soon as possible, follow me and we’ll walk and talk.”

“Your mother? She’s here ?” Maddy’s dad asks, his face twisted as if he’s terrified to hope it’s true, his tone laced in disbelief.

“She’s here. But she’s… sick. I think you can help her, though.” Maddy turns to her father and levels him with a pleading stare.

“How could I help? I’m not a doctor. What’s wrong with her?” His head shakes.

Go easy, Sweetheart, this is a lot to take in. We don’t want to overwhelm him. Last thing we need is him passing out in the hall. I send the thought and feelings of calm to my mate.

“Dad. Please? Just follow me? I promise I’ll explain everything.”

He purses his lips but nods once and follows Maddy to Zo’s room.

“Mom never really wanted to leave us, but she thought she had to. She believed she had to come home, here, to protect us,” Maddy starts to explain.

“And where exactly is here ? How did we get here? This guy,” he throws a thumb towards Georgym, “just showed up at my house and told me I had to come with him and not to take off this necklace. I was ready to call the cops but he said you needed me.”

“Your dad’s really easy to kidnap, sweets. You should talk to him about that,” Reed says and Maddy chuckles.

“I know. All anyone has to do is say I’m in trouble and he’ll go wherever they take him. Such a sweet gullible man. But I love him. And I really did need him, so I’m glad he didn’t put up much of a fight.” She says to Reed before looking back at her father. “To answer your question… We’re in Hell. Mom’s Lucifer’s daughter. And I’m his granddaughter and heir to the throne. On the throne? I’m not quite clear on that one yet. Anyhow, surprise! Welcome to Hell!!”

Both Reed and her father’s eyes pop out before Reed bursts out laughing.

“Good one, Mads. You almost had me.”

“You don’t believe me? Really, Reed? You disappeared in a cloud of smoke and reappeared at the palace doors. Yet you really question me? Did you not notice the horns on my head? The wings? The tail?” Her wings flutter behind her and her tail swishes around her, drawing the newcomers’ eyes.

Reed’s eyes widen and his mouth falls open. “Those are real ?! Oh my god! I thought you were like, wearing a costume or something!”

Maddy’s dad looks like he’s about to faint.

“Are you okay, Mr. P.?” I ask before sending my magic out to check him. Devil. I hope he doesn’t have a heart condition or something. Humans are so fragile.

His blood pressure is slightly elevated, but I don’t sense anything dire. If he does pass out, he should come to quickly enough.

He blinks and shakes his head before muttering, “Yes. Yes, I’m fine. This is just a lot to take in.”

“I’m sure it is, sir. Your mate also has horns, wings, and a tail. So… don’t be shocked when you see her,” I warn him as we stop in front of Zo’s door.

He audibly gulps.

“Umm. I think I’ll let you guys have your family reunion. I’ll just… Stay with him,” Reed says, tipping his head toward Georgym whose lip quirks.

“Thanks, Reedy Bear. Georgym? If it’s not too much trouble, could you try to keep him entertained and out of trouble?” Maddy grimaces.

“No trouble at all, my queen. I’ll show my mate to our room.”

Did he just… Mate?

I look at Maddy with wide eyes and she shrugs.

“I’ll see you soon, Reed. Behave, please .”

“I make no promises.” He winks before walking off with Georgym.

When it’s just the three of us, Maddy turns to her dad.

“Are you ready?” She raises her brows and bites her lip.

Everything’s going to be fine, Sweetheart. She’ll get better now. Don’t worry. I send the thought to my mate.

She lets out a shaky breath and smiles softly. Thanks, Zar. I can’t help it, though. I’ll continue to worry until she wakes up. Let’s just hope having Dad here helps.

The man in question takes a deep breath and nods his head. “Let me in. If she’s sick and I can help in any way, I’ll do whatever is necessary.”

“Okay. Let’s do this,” Maddy says, opening the door.

Four heads turn in our direction as we walk in the room. Luc rises from his seat and meets us.

“You must be Robert. I’m Lucifer,” Luc holds his hand out, which Robert reluctantly shakes. “We have much to discuss. But first, you must connect with your mate.”

Robert’s eyes flick to Maddy and they share an unspoken conversation before he looks around the room. The second his eyes land on Zo, he gasps.

“Zofina!” he cries as he rushes to her side. “Oh, my love. What’s happened to you?” He cups her face, brushing her hair behind her ear.

That’s when I notice his hand. He doesn’t look like the type to get tattoos, let alone on his hand, but there’s a swirling vine with tiny flowers clear as day covers the entire top of his right hand.

Zo starts to stir under his touch and I swear we all hold our breath as we watch.