Chapter Twenty-Eight

“Are you alright?” Hypnos followed in step with me as we approached Hades’ palace.

Hades had already emerged from his dark opulent carriage. The sound of the horses’ hooves faded into the distance. He extended his hand towards Ember, who accepted with a delicate yet confident grace. The air carried a hint of smoke and coal from the underbelly of the fiery village of demons they had come from.

Hades’ jet-black hair remained impeccably styled, framing his face. A deep scowl etched lines across his features, but as his piercing eyes locked onto hers, the scowl dissipated, revealing that softened heart of the King of the Underworld.

I was ready to see Juniper, hoping that my anger and frustration would soon melt away as well.

“I’m fine,” I snapped. “I’m ready to be done with this.”

Hypnos eyed me warily. It wasn’t often I got so angered. I was the emotionless one. I could keep my anger away, even if it was a stressful workday dealing with the reapers and working for Ember. I could handle anything.

And now, all I wanted to do was rip Fuzzy Bunnies apart. I wanted to go there myself and find that damn owner and rip their soul from their body. But if I did, it could ruin everything. I would end up not finding other deities that frequent there. If this owner has a glamour, what other magical spells have they cast upon them to keep their secrets?

Piece by piece, this story must unravel.

For now, the women that work there are safe, or so say, my reapers and demons.

Hypnos put his hand on my shoulder and I do my best not to shove him away. He doesn’t take rejection well and I would be damned if I hurt him.

“It appears that there is still hope, brother,” Hypnos whispered, his voice barely audible over the chaos. His eyes shifted towards Hades, who signals his guards to come retrieve a battered demon. As the guards try to grab the demon, Cerberus, with his colossal heads, vigorously shakes the body, muttering words under his breath.

“He tasted terrible,” Cerberus mumbled again and drops the demon to the ground. The guards haul the demon up by his arms and haul him away. “Could he at least taste like barbeque or something?” Cerberus nudged Hades, who rubbed the middle head.

“It’s because you are closer to being human.” Hades chuckled. “Not long ago, you wouldn’t have thought for him to taste like barbeque.”

Cerberus huffed and changes into a smaller form so he can enter the palace. The guards carry the whimpering demon to a hidden entrance of the palace. Most likely the prison.

“We found Andriel. Any luck, with Samael, Thanatos?” Hades brings his arm out for Ember to walk by his side and I shake my head wearily.

“Unfortunately no, Your Majesty. This being, this owner has a powerful spell that hides their face even in memories.”

Hades tsked and shook his head. “And don’t call me Your Majesty. We are friends, Thanatos. I believe Ember has told you that.”

I grumbled under my breath; the sound barely audible amidst the bustling of the crowded room. I tighten my fist, feeling the tension radiating through my fingers. It wasn’t always like this, and they expected me to change in an instant. Doesn’t he remember the old ways at all? Once everyone started getting mates, it felt like a switch had been flipped, and I struggled to comprehend the sudden shift in dynamics.

Then again—my emotions have changed as well. No longer stoic, but a damn mine field of emotion. I pray to the Fates it settles soon.

“Sure, Hades.” I nodded at him. It still felt bitter under my tongue, but I’d allow it for now.

We walked up the steps, and when we entered the palace, it was quiet. Ember was solemn. Her usual perky self wasn’t all that clear.

When I gazed down at her short stature, I found she was staring back up at me. “Is Juniper doing okay?” she whispered.

I gripped my scythe and rubbed my thumb along with the wooden handle. “Yes, I believe better than I ever thought she would be. Both mentally and physically.”

She had healed from her injuries beautifully, thanks to Athena. Mentally I knew she was hiding things from me, but it did not scare her from her physical lust for me. I would always respect her wishes if she didn’t want to touch me, but she never gives me the chance. She jumps my bones each time.

I smirked under my hood.

“Do you think she will want to complete the bond with you, with her history?” Ember tilted her head in curiosity. ”She went beyond what I was forced to do. She had to get up there, dance and all. I just had to wait tables.”

“Do not push away your hardships like it was nothing.” I stopped in my tracks to face her. The entire group stopped as well, shocked by my abrupt tone. “You suffered much, Your Majesty. You lived there as a child. Starving, working to the bone. Just because you didn’t strip and show your body, doesn’t mean you didn’t suffer any less.”

Hades wrapped his arm around Ember, kissing her head. “Thanatos is right, Ember. What is wrong?”

“I worry for Juniper is all. I’ve seen some of her life through the Soul of Spheres. She was manhandled. I know a lot of women had it harder than me and I just...” Ember’s face turned red, her brow furrowing. “I just want this person caught.”

My thoughts were the same. I could feel the fire igniting within my belly. Getting angry about it wouldn’t do any good, but the emotions were still there.

“We have one demon in our dungeon and an angel to find,” Hades spoke. “Hermes has a lead, and we hope to have her here by morning.” He places another kiss on her forehead. “Then Lucifer, Thanatos, and I will do the rest to get them to talk.”

Ember scratched up her nose. “Maybe they will talk on their own. Beating them up doesn’t always have to be the answer.”

Lucifer stalked up behind us and chuckled darkly, cracking his knuckles as he walks past. “It’s always the more fun way to do it.”

Hypnos made a gagging sound. He’s never been the physical type. He’d rather get into their head and mess with someone that way.

Which could be another form of torture.

“Ember, Juniper is doing wonderfully and don’t worry about us completing the bond.” I paused and wet my lips. “She has shown much interest in... physical activities.” I cleared my throat. “Her mentality might be another hurdle.”

Lucifer snorted, and I glared at him beneath my hood.

“That is a relief,” Ember replied. “I’m just worried for the both of you. You both deserve a happy beginning.”

As we ventured further into the grand palace, the aroma of a bustling kitchen entered the hall. To my surprise, I saw one of my trusted reapers emerging from the kitchen, sandwich in hand. This one had been assigned as Lilith”s nanny. The sound of his content munching echoed through the corridor, punctuating our journey through the opulent halls.

He paused when he sees us and put the large sandwich it behind his back. “My Lord.” He bows and stands upright.

Ember cocks her head in confusion. “Where is Lilith? It’s only one in the morning.”

The reaper relaxed and brought his sandwich back around. “In Athena’s manual for Young Gods and Goddesses Living it says girls her age should get at least nine hours of sleep. If she is to be at tutoring by eight in the morning, then she should go to bed earlier.”

Ember blinked. “I–none of us can get her to bed earlier.” She whipped her head to Hades and back to my reaper.

“I let her throw her tantrum and then listened to her reasoning and provided one of my own. She was receptive,” my reaper replied.

Ember slouched her shoulders, tears forming in her eyes. “C-can I give you a hug?”

Hades’ grip tightened on Ember’s shoulder and pulled her back. “You will do no such thing,” he growled at her.

“He got her to sleep,” she cried. “Maybe she won’t be so cranky anymore.”

“I don’t know about that,” the reaper mumbled under his breath.

Hypnos snickered in the corner. “If you want, I’d be happy to visit her at night and put her to bed if that helps,” he offered.

I glared at Hypnos. I didn’t want him to start; I knew it wasn”t what he truly wanted to do. He wanted to make friends, but this wasn’t how he should go about it.

Ember whiffed her head, though. “No, she needs to know how to do it on her own. It’s a hard habit to break, one I’ve never been able to do. Reaper, teach me, so when you have a day off, I can do it on my own.”

Hypnos smiled as Ember and the reaper talked. I could feel Hypnos’ was happy that Ember went on talking to the reaper about sleeping habits. I knew it, I could feel it through our brotherly bond.

While they all gathered in the kitchen talking about Lilith, I had another agenda, and that was finding Juniper.

The grinding of my teeth was a great testament to that.

As my shadows enveloped me, Lucifer joined my side. He appeared uninterested in the bickering of his parents, as they doted on his sister’s recent accomplishments. Together, we prowled through the palace, following the alluring scents of our mates. Upon entering the living room, we saw the coffee table engulfed in flames, its half-burned remnants crackling and popping in the fire’s heat.

“The fuck happened here?” Lucifer barked. He picked up an empty box with the name Jenga on the side and we stepped over the blocks on the floor.

I hummed low and saw Fluffy and I’m assuming Macaroni lying next to each other on the couch near the fire. They haven’t been gone long.

“You don’t think someone came in here, do you?” Lucifer’s anger was apparent as his wings spread behind him, the blackness of his hands crawling up his arms.

“Be calm. I don’t think there is ill intent.” Because that was when I heard the beat of music, and an all too familiar sound I heard once before in Juniper’s soul when I read it. “Do you hear it, Lucifer?”

He calmed his breathing, and his head turned to the noise.

We quickly dashed out of the room, our footsteps echoing down the hallway. The music intensified, its pulsating beat reverberating through our bare feet, creating a rhythmic throb. As we came to a halt, we realized we were standing in front of the corridor leading to the palace’s gym and studio rooms. Ares sulked outside a door, his lips down turned in discontent. He absentmindedly tossed a racquetball against the wall, the sound of it bouncing back to his hand filling the air with a repetitive rhythm.

“Party poopers,” he mumbled.

“Where are our mates?” Lucifer hissed as he approached.

Ares stood up and crossed his arms. “In there.” Ares tilts his head. ”We can”t go in until they”re ready for us,” he said.

The beat of the bass drops and Ares rolled his eyes. “Fuck, all I can think about is what Mariah is doing in there right now. I wonder if Juniper is rubbing her tits all over her.”

I snapped my head to Ares. “The fuck did you say?”

Ares shook his head and ran a hand down his face. “Sorry, it’s just Mariah and Uriel talked Juniper into giving them strip tease and stripper pole lessons.”

Lucifer’s smile turned lustful, while my eyes turned wild with anger.

“Did she want to do this or was she forced?” My shadows crawled around Ares’ neck and began to suffocate him.

Ares swatted the shadows, but it did nothing to keep them from strangling him. “Chill, bro, she wanted to do it. They all got their fancy outfits on and everything. Juniper was really into it!”

My shadows loosened their hold and my cock instead filled with desire. She wanted to dance? She wanted to strip? After all she has been through?

“Why would she want to, after everything–?”

“Dude–” Ares interrupted, “just because she has an awful experience doesn’t mean she wants to give up something she loves. She likes to dance. She enjoys dancing, just not naked in front of people she doesn’t know or like.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Mariah’s been telling her she needs to do it for you, so you’re welcome and all.” He bobbed his head.

I hummed and went to the door. “I think they have practiced enough.”

Lucifer nodded. “I agree.” He adjusts his appendage and we open the door together to get a sight we never thought we would ever see.

A short bunny outfit adorned Lucifer”s mate. Her legs were accentuated by white stockings, paired with provocative white stripper platform shoes. A fluffy bunny tail playfully swayed with her every move. Her bare stomach drew attention, while her top, adorned with delicate baby pink beads along the hem, added a touch of innocence to the ensemble. Completing the look, the bunny ears atop her head elicited a mix of amusement and desire. Lucifer, unable to resist, palmed his cock, groaning audibly at the captivating sight before him.

Ares stepped beside me, his voice a storm of curses as his mate abruptly turned around. She stood before us in a warrior princess ensemble that accentuated her physique. Her attire comprised a loincloth sarong and a fitted top. As she moved, the beads adorning her outfit emitted a pleasant clinking sound. With a playful dip, she showcased her back, captivating her mate’s attention.

“Fuck I’m going to come right here,” Ares said. Lucifer and I both stepped away from him and that was when I get my chance to look at my mate.

At the far end of the room stood the most stunning woman, leaning gracefully against a polished pole. Her muscular arm delicately wrapped around it, drawing attention to her mesmerizing presence. Adorned in a captivating burlesque ensemble with tight laced corset, her attire exuded allure in every way. The outfit”s backside featured delicate tulle embellishments, adding a touch of mystery to her allure.

As she moved, her hair cascaded in voluminous, meticulously styled curls, enhancing her already breathtaking appearance. Her long legs seemed to stretch endlessly, accentuated by a black lace garter that adds a seductive charm. Completing the ensemble, her high-heeled shoes accentuated her round ass perfectly, causing a tantalizing sensation that left me helplessly captivated.

“Get out,” my voice boomed like thunder, causing the shadows to disperse as if chased by sunlight, revealing the intricate details of my dark robes that billowed ominously.

Not that anyone heard my voice. The other people in the room were filing out before I said it.

Juniper gave a mischievous smirk, her eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. With each step, her shoes made a soft tap against the polished floor, creating a rhythmic melody that echoed through the room. As she approached, a chill ran down my spine, and I could feel the weight of her presence, her confidence radiating like a tangible force. In that moment, I couldn’t help but question who truly held the power in this twisted dance of ours. Even as I cradled her lifeless body in my arms, her influence continued to cling to me, an undeniable hold that transcended the boundaries of life and death.

“You want to see what we’ve been working on the last couple of hours?”

She wore a deep shade of beautiful red on her lips. Not that she needed makeup, but it created a fucking bullseye that I couldn’t keep my eyes off of.

I wonder how that color would look like wrapped around my cock?

The door slammed behind us. Neither of us jumped.

This was good, this was great. It indicated her lack of fear.

My mate was sexy and confident as fuck. I wanted to sink myself so deep in her cunt and claim her body right now. I don’t think I had the strength.

I stood still, and when I swallowed; I felt my throat move from top to bottom.

Juniper walked around me, placing her hand on my chest and dragging it around my body to my back. That was when she let go and walked to the other side of the room.

The mirrors lining one side of the room allowed me to observe her effortlessly, without the need to shift my gaze. The presence of a nearby mirror heightened the sight of her captivating movements. Her every subtle gesture amplified, fueling the erotic atmosphere that enveloped us.

She grabbed a chair and dragged it back to where I was at. She sashayed her hips as she walked back to me, knowing damn well what it was doing to me.

The chair clanged as she set it behind me.

She stood on her toes and whispered in my ear. “Sit, please.”

I didn’t hesitate. I sat in the chair and she cut off the lights, leaving only the faint glow of my mate”s body.

The clicking of her shoes came closer until she stood in front of me. Instead of sitting on my lap, she straddled me, keeping her pussy away from my erection. I cursed her for not putting her pussy next to my cock.

Juniper tightly seized the back of my hood, forcefully yanking it and inadvertently tugging my hair. A low, guttural groan escaped my lips as I savored the bittersweet sensation, relishing in the tingling pain. My tongue darted out, moistening my lips, as I indulged in the moment.

She leaned forward and her lips grazed mine. “There is only one rule, Grim Reaper.” She rubbed her pussy over my cock.

Praise Rhea.

“You cannot touch me. Only I may touch you.”

Well, fuck.